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LOT 0254
Roman Iron Gladius
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
32 5/8 in. (557 grams, 83 cm).
Or semi-spatha blade with parallel-sided lentoid-section body and a long rectangular-section tang; Mainz type, Wederath-Canterbury-Kopki variant; repaired and surface treated.
ProvenanceEx South London collection, acquired 1970-1990.
The Kusmirek Collection, UK.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
See Miks, C., Studien zur Romischen Schwertbewaffnung in der Kaiserzeit, I-II Banden, Rahden, 2007, p.637, no.A369, for similar specimen from Korytnica (Poland), found in 1999.
FootnotesIn contrast to the average length of the Roman Pompeii type gladius, some Roman swords, continuing the typology of the Mainz gladius, tend to be longer and transform themselves into a semi-spatha. Both the weapon from Eich (Miks, 2001, AI43), and especially a gladius from Korytnica with approximate blade length of 548mm (total length 762mm) is very close to the length limit of a semi-spatha. The same can be said of a blade from Godmanchester (Miks, 2001, no.A824) for its dimensions and proportions, where the tip of the blade already gives a significantly shorter impression, showing a certain relationship to 'Lauriacum-Hrornöwka', 'Mainz-Canterbury' variant type spathae.
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LOT 0254
Roman Iron Gladius
Estimate £1,800 - 2,400€2,090 - 2,780 (for guidance only)$2,430 - 3,240 (for guidance only)
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Khazar Gilt Sword Belt Buckle and Mount Group
9th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Comprising four gilt copper-alloy sword belt fittings: a large buckle plate with ogival head and trefoil plate; a buckle with roughly D-shaped loop and shell-style plate, triangular-section tongue; a buckle composed of an oval head and roughly rectangular plate decorated with an X-motif and enigmatic forms in each quarter, articulate tongue; a C-section mount displaying raised floral vines. 67 grams total, 37-59 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Ex an important central London gallery, London W1.
These wonderful fittings show similarities with examples from the Caucasus and Kuban regions. They show parallels with specimens from the Verchne-Szaltovo area, for example a bronze buckle from the catacomb grave no.11. -
Post Roman Squama Armour
5th-9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Each scale B-shaped, slightly convex sides, two equally spaced circular holes along the straight edge. 55 grams total, 19-38 mm
The Kusmirek Collection, UK.
This object is not typical of 'squama' which usually has scales that are rectangular with one rounded end, and numerous attachment holes at the square end in pairs. However, it can be a type widespread in the post Roman age, with various specimens found in Britain (PAS SWYOR-CA6BBB, BM-95F434 and NCL-34BE90. -
Smith and Wesson Old Model No 2 Revolver
1861-1874 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
Also known as 'Model No 2 Army' with hinged frame, six shot .32 calibre rimfire cylinder with 'PATENTED APRIL 3 1855 JULY 5 1859 & DEC 18 1860' and 15cm (6") octagonal barrel marked 'SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS' to top with fixed extractor pin and spur trigger; serial number 47946 to butt strap with plain wood grip scales; action working. 690 grams, 27 cm
Acquired from Bolk Antique Arms, Netherlands, 2016. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by an original Bolk invoice.
Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the Firearms Act, 1968, to be held as a curiosity or ornament. No license required but buyer must be over 18 years of age. Overseas bidders should note that, due to UK regulations governing export of all firearms, overseas buyers will need to make arrangements for shipping this lot out of the UK directly, by air freight, with a specialist company or agent.