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]

Found 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.

The 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.