Loading, please wait...
LOT 1120
Roman Iron Anti-Cavalry Caltrop
3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
3 3/8 in. (29 grams, 86 mm).
Composed of four arms tipped with triangular spikes.
ProvenanceAcquired on the German art market around 2000.
From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und die Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch-Altenburg, 2017, item 204, for type.
FootnotesCaltrops were scattered on battlefields in an effort to stop or slow advancing enemy cavalry or foot soldiers; regardless of how a caltrop lands, one spike is always facing upwards. Caesar used widely them at Alesia (Caes., BG 7.73; 82): 'Stakes a foot long, with iron hooks attached to them, were entirely sunk in the ground before these, and were planted in every place at small intervals; these they called spurs'.
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
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Luristan Bronze Sword with Hilt
13th-6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,235
Composed of a double-edged triangular blade with lentoid cross-section, long lower guard with strip extensions to both faces and edges, iron grip, bronze cotton-reel pommel. 635 grams, 35.5 cm
Ex West German collection, Cologne. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. -
Burmese Iron Single-Edged Sword with Scabbard
19th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £52
Comprising a smooth, slightly curved and unornamented blade, the hilt wrapped with organic plaited and plain string; tubular bamboo(?) scabbard wrapped with plaited string. 886 grams, 91 cm long
Ex Reeman Dansie, Colchester, Essex, UK.
The dha may have its origins with the Tai people who migrated to the area from present-day Yunnan Province in southern China. This sabre varied considerably according to locality but they shared some features that define them apart from other weapons and tools of the area, like the round cross-section grip, a long, gently curving blade with a single edge, and the absence of a guard. -
German WWII MG34 Anti-Aircraft Gun Sight
1939-1945 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Steel gunsight with three rings and cross-wires and pillar mount to fit the MG34 general purpose machine gun. 80 grams, 14 cm
Acquired from RJ Militaria, UK. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the listing and an image.
