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LOT 1390
Roman Military Bronze Cavalry Spur
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
2 1/2 in. (45 grams, 64 mm).
Crescentic in plan with carinated profile, discoid lug to each end, sturdy square-section ferrous stud to the centre. [No Reserve]
ProvenancePrivate collection, UK, formed 1980s-1990s.
LiteratureCf. De Shortt, H., A provincial Roman spur from Longstock, Hants, and other spurs from Roman Britain, in The Antiquaries Journal, volume 39 issue 12, Cambridge, 1959, pp.61-76, fig.22 (Hod Hill) and 25 (Hadrian’s Wall), for similar.
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
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Large Transcaucasian Armour Belt Clasp
1st century B.C.-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £11,960
Openwork belt fastening-plate comprising: square frame with parallel bands of ropework, a tall conical boss with basal flange at each corner; central figure of an advancing horse with head bowed, hollow to the reverse, with braided halter to the neck and bridle to the muzzle; incised ring-and-dot motif to shoulder and hip; above the horse's back a small quadruped with head turned to face the viewer, triangular muzzle and two curved horns (perhaps an ibex); openwork vegetation around the beasts and between the horse's legs, long-tailed animal gripping the halter (perhaps a squirrel); fixing loop and triangular catch to the reverse; mounted on a custom-made stand. 752 grams total, 24.5 cm high including stand
German art market. European private collection, 1970s-early 2000s. Acquired from the above; thence by descent. Private collection, London, 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 a search certificate number no.12284-221444.
Many bronze belt fittings of this type are in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, (Muscarella, 1988, items 581-4). Muscarella (p.440) notes that a total of 181 were known at the time of his publication (1988). -
Viking Period Iron Broad Baltic Axe-Hammer
Circa 12th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £494
Comprising a flat socket with lateral spurs, slender neck developing to a broad blade with curved edge, chin to the lower edge and point to the upper, rear square-section shank with disc hammer-face. 349 grams, 18.5 cm
Private collection, Arundel, West Sussex, UK, 1975-late 1990s.
During the mid 13th century, the axes were favourite weapons among the Baltic people. For example, the Curonian army included lightly armed soldiers who fought with spears, shields, fighting knives and axes. A heavily armed soldier could also carry a sword, a helmet, a shield and a wide-bladed axe. -
Norman Iron Prick Spur
11th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
With abruptly curved arms ending in two loops, the prick with biconvex bulb. 52 grams, 12 cm
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
The spur belongs to Western specimens of the 12th century, with more or less strongly curved spurs and short, strong, lowered spikes, whereby the majority of the spurs already have loops instead of rivet plates.
