Loading, please wait...
LOT 0256
Roman Iron Spatha Sword
3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.
32 5/8 in. (652 grams, 83 cm).
Comprising a wide double-edged blade of Illerup-Wyhl typology; blood channels and later inlays to both sides.
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
Cf. Miks, C., Studien zur Romischen Schwertbewaffnung in der Kaiserzeit, I-II Banden, Rahden, 2007, nos.A321,12,13, from Illerup Adal.
FootnotesSpecimens of Roman spathae of 2nd-3rd centuries have been found in large numbers in Danish bogs (Nydam, Straubing, Thorsberg, Illerup). The Straubing-Nydam type shows straight and convergent cutting edges, the width of which is reduced along the blade.
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.
-
Bronze Age European Boss
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £42
Of repoussé form, slightly convex in profile with two concentric bands of pierced ornament and two attachment holes at edge. 36 grams, 95 cm
Ex English collection, pre-2000. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by a previous dealer's certificate of authenticity. -
Medieval Schiavonesca Type Iron Sword with Inlay
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,600
Comprising a broad, double-edged blade with rounded tip, shallow central fuller to the upper third of both sides; flat guard with stepped central panel, D-section arms formed in a horizontal S-curve, 'cat's head' truncated type pommel with an integral central boss to both faces; the tang with a sword-shaped stamp, the blade with an inlaid three-armed workshop mark and another stamp, including a V surmounted by a cross. 1.37 kg, 1.18 m
Restored and protected with a possible vertical suspension in acid solution, on the blade traces of delamination and flaking along the pattern-welds, some corrosion damages but in general very good condition.
From an English collection, acquired 1990s. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11771-203963.
The Schiavonesca sword was used by Dalmatian mercenaries serving in the Venetian state armies, and were produced by the workshops of the Serenissima to which the marks probably belong. Many of these swords were produced in Dubrovnik, a Croatian city under the Venetian rule. Dr Aleksić mentions the swordsmith Radonja Vukotić, who made an agreement with blacksmith Andrija Miletin at the beginning of September 1436, to produce swords together in the following year. -
Medieval Iron Broad Socketted Axe
13th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Featuring scooped upper and lower edges, convex cutting edge and round-section socket; mounted on a modern wooden shaft. 2.8 kg, 91.5 cm
From an English collection, acquired 1990s. The Kusmirek Collection, UK.
