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_900x900.jpg "Roman Bronze Armour Squama Scales Group")
_200x200.jpg "Roman Bronze Armour Squama Scales Group")
.jpg "Roman Bronze Armour Squama Scales Group")
LOT 1117
Roman Bronze Armour Squama Scales Group
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
3/8 - 2 1/2 in. (30 grams total, 10-65 mm).
Mixed group of semi-rigid bronze scales with scalloped lower edges, pierced for attachment; together with two small panels of articulated lamina scales. [23+, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired in the late 1980s.
The Kusmirek Collection, UK.
Cf. Bishop, M.C. & Coulston, J.C.N., Roman military equipment, from the Punic wars to the fall of Rome, London, 2006, p.139, fig.84.2, for similar.
FootnotesA new form of rigid scale-armour, typified by pieces found in Britannia (Corbridge, Carlisle), Pannonia (Musov), Moesia (Iron Gates) and in various other provinces of the empire, was introduced earlier in the Antonine Period, and continued for all of the 3rd and 4th centuries A.D. The new body protection was realised with scales attached by wire to each of their four neighbouring scales. These new scales tended to be not only very small, but also long and slender and needed to be carefully shaped around the neck.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
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Luristan Bronze Blade
Late 2nd- early 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £140
Sharply pointed with raised midrib to each face, square shoulders pierced to accept the fixings for the hilt, stub tang. 217 grams, 35.5 cm
Ex German collection, Cologne, 1980-1990s.
The two holes on the shoulders of the blade provided attachment for a separate hilt. This could have been a penannular grip, which can be seen on some swords from Sangtarashan; or in north-west Iranian blades with rectangular guard and flanged hilt, where the guard was rivetted to the blade, like in some swords in the Axel Guttmann collection. -
Eastern Roman Iron Double Axehead
11th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Composed of a central circular socket with flanges, one head with extended lower blade, the other with a wedge-shaped head. 1.8 kg, 36 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
This kind of 'Tzikourion' is found in all the Eastern Roman territories from 11th to 14th century A.D., and in many South East European territories. The overall design and the massive T-shaped hafting socket are very similar to those of an 11th century war axe from Cozanesti, Moldova, and from various14th century A.D. specimens from Bulgaria. -
Post Medieval Iron Sword Group
18th-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Comprising military and civilian weapons: short rapier; basket hilted sword; sabre seemingly with scabbard; rapier blade. 3.45 kg total, 62-100 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
The two sabres, with the particular hilt and steel scabbard, seems to have affinities with Hungarian sabres of about 1837-1838, destined to staff and senior officers of the Austro-Hungarian Kingdom Hussars. At the end of the 1830s, the Austrian military leaders introduced a new type of sabre for the Hussar officers, while the 1837 infantry officer sabre was standardised.
