Roman Glass Bead Necklace String

Hand-forged with square-section spikes. 8.74 grams, 42 mm



From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

Caltrops have been recovered from Roman sites where military action took place, and from medieval fortresses areas. Caltrops were used to slow down an enemy infantry attack, and were a deterrent to mounted soldiers.

Iron shoe with lateral curved plates with attachment rings rear panel with bar also for attachment. 363 grams, 15 cm



From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

Hipposandals (soleae ferreae) were used on horses with injured hooves, a sort of equine orthopaedic shoe used by the mulomedicus, i.e. a Roman military veterinarian. Another important function was that to protect the hooves of the horse from injuries and damages from hard objects. The hippo sandal of type 1 was formed from a sub-oval plate which tapered towards the front and rear with projections at the front, back and on either side. The heel was upturned at about 45 degrees and flared outwards. It would have terminated with a downward facing hook, now missing. The base of the sole was flat.

Matched pair, each a wire hoop with hook-and-eye closure, domed shield with central filigree ring, radiating granules and braided filigree to the rim; corrugated tubular dangle with granule cluster finial. 5.40 grams Total, 40.15-16.55 mm



Property of an Essex, UK, lady; received by descent from her grandfather.