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LOT 1092
Roman Iron Plumbata Mamillata
4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
6 in. (85 grams, 15 cm).
The barbed head with tapering cylindrical stem and biconical lead weight.
ProvenanceEx J. Layne collection, 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Southern, P. & Dixon, K.R., The Late Roman Army, London, 1996, fig.46, pp.113-115.
FootnotesThe lead-weighted darts known as plumbatae mamillatae, (or breasted javelin) were short darts mounted upon a shaft, of the same shape, and thrown from a short distance. A Roman soldier would typically carry around 5-6 of these darts at any one time, fastened to the back of his shield. They could be thrown overhand or underhand, with an effective throwing range of up to 60 meters by trained soldiers.
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AUCTIONS:
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British Leather Fencing Helmet
Circa 1890-1920s A.D.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £83
By Lillywhite Frowd Co of London, fitted with neck fringe, stamped buckled securing strap and wire mesh face and ear panels, padded lining internally marked 'broad arrow-over-67' so likely a military issue. 2.0 kg, 39 cm
Acquired from Manfred Schotten Antiques, 2016. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by a copy of Manfred Schotten invoice and listing.
Although masks/helmets of this general form are typically associated with sword fencing, this example is of very heavy construction so possibly for use in protecting while training with a heavier weapon than a foil or epee. -
Neo-Assyrian Bronze Military Helmet
8th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £16,900
With lateral seams, attachment holes to lower edge, bowl with tall conical peak; mounted on a custom-made stand. 3.5 kg total, 55.5 cm high including stand
Acquired on the UK art market. From a private collection, 1980s. Ex central London gallery. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. 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 search certificate number no.11765-203977.
From the reign of King Tiglatpilesar III (744-727 B.C.) or possibly later. The army of the Neo-Assyrian Empire consisted of large units of cavalry and skilled archers. Mobile workshops and smiths produced vast quantities of arrows and spears that were required while on campaign. The royal palaces of Nineveh, Ashur, and Nimrud were adorned with reliefs depicting Neo-Assyrian troops including foot soldiers in similar pointed bronze helmets. The helmet was originally bimetallic, made of bronze and iron. Although the iron section is now preserved only in fragments, having deteriorated long ago; the bronze half remains. -
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Medieval Iron Kidney Dagger
Late 15th century A.D.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £600
Featuring a wedge-shaped blade and a lobed handle; the hilt fitted with an iron plate bending down to form points on each side of the blade, pommel with a discoid brass plate decorated with an incised flower motif. 307 grams, 46 cm
Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
The term 'ballock dagger' was used in medieval times to describe a dagger with a grip bearing a considerable resemblance to a phallic symbol. It was also called 'kidney dagger' during the Victorian times. The constant characteristic is the presence of two roundish and symmetrical bulbs at the guard, with the grip itself emerging upward between them and flaring slightly towards the top, sometimes being surmounted by a cap.
