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LOT 1390
Roman Iron Ferrules and Javelin Head Group
3RD CENTURY A.D.
3 1/4 - 5 in. (64 grams total, 8.2-12.8 cm).
Comprising: square-section missile head with short neck; conical ferrule with square-section finial; conical ferrule socket with long square-section finial. [3, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound S.E. England, UK.
Acquired from Allan Cherry, Bournemouth, UK, circa 2004.
Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK.
Cf. for the ferrule Marchant, D.J., Roman weaponry in the province of Britain from the second century to the fifth century AD, Durham, 1991, plate 14, nos.3-4; for the javelin head fig.15, no.1.
FootnotesThe usual form of the butt of the spears in this period was a cone shape, sometimes split down one side, but more often forged into a complete circle. The butt was fastened to the wooden shaft by one or more rivets. The butt or ferrule of the Roman spears essentially had two functions. Firstly it acted as a counterweight to the blade of the spear/javelin, ensuring that the weapon was balanced and therefore effective. Secondly, it kept the wooden shaft out of contact with the ground if the spear was grounded and thus avoiding damage to it.
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:
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Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Piriform body with radiating vertical lugs to the shoulder and decorated panels between, tiered neck, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 977 grams, 20 cm
From a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 1990s onwards.
Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Luristan 'Master of Animals' Bridle Bit
Circa 9th-7th century B.C.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
Comprising: a square-section bar with the ends scrolled in opposite directions; matched pair of outward-facing detailed openwork castings, each cheek-piece showing a god with a horned head above a figural scene with two opposed human figures in profile advancing towards a column with profile animal heads and other detailing; accompanied by a custom-made stand. 1.17 kg total, 19.5 cm wide including stand
From an old private Japanese collection. Acquired from Shimojo Art, Tokyo, Japan, in 2014. From the private collection of a North West London, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by a previous collection photograph, and the original official Japanese cultural export certificate issued by the Director of Art and Curatorial Division, Cultural Properties Department, Agency for Cultural Affairs, and invoice, dated 7th November 2014. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12050-217397.
In the Mesopotamian world the forces of chaos are often represented by animals and the gods are seen as the restraining force to these unpredictable powers that could harm the human world. The presence of horns on these figures distinguishes them as being divine and is often found being worn by kings who saw themselves as close to the gods. -
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Luristan 'Mistress of Animals' Bridle Bit
Circa 9th-7th century B.C.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
Each cheekpiece comprising the figure of a goddess on a rectangular base, standing in a long fringed robe and tiara with horns emerging from his head, grasping an attacking rampant winged griffin or winged lion in each hand, three loops to the reverse, perforated through the body through which the long mouthpiece passes. 1.03 kg, 24.5 cm
Acquired on the London art market, 1995. Ex Christie's London, 2nd April 2014, no.32. From the private collection of a North West London, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by a previous collection photograph and copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12049-217395.
The image of a deity holding two animals is ancient and found in many cultures and can depict either a male or female divinity. The goddess was known by the Greek as Potnia Theron, or "Lady of the Animals", a term first used by Homer in the Iliad.
