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LOT 0267
Roman Pattern-Welded 'Damascus' Iron Sword
3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.
33 3/4 in. (659 grams, 85.5 cm).
A spatha with double-edged blade of Osterburken-Kemathen Type, fullers with damask pattern (rosette damask technique B.II.I.2), sturdy tang with remains of wood; the blade cleaned and conserved on one side.
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
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. 11923-209660.
Exhibited at Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 14th March-9th June 2024; accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the artefact on display.
LiteratureSee Miks, C., Studien zur Romischen Schwertbewaffnung in der Kaiserzeit, I-II Banden, Rahden, 2007; for similar specimens see Miks, 2007, nos. A533, p.680, pl.137, from Nowa Cerekiew; A766, p.755, pl.141, from Vrasselt.
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:
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LOT 0267
Roman Pattern-Welded 'Damascus' Iron Sword
Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)
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Viking Iron Sword with Three-Lobed Pommel
10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,990
Double-edged cutting sword of Petersen Type S or T variant with tapering blade bearing some deep battle scars; boat-shaped straight lower guard and tapering tang; boat-shaped upper guard supporting a massive three-lobed pommel with remains of silver inlay to both sides. 1.07 kg, 92.5 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. 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.12039-216430.
These swords were widely used in the Baltic area, to the extent that V. Kazakevicius noticed a variation within the decoration of some Type T swords, creating a Curonian type T, which were most likely of Baltic manufacture (at least the hilt construction). The traces of silver ornaments are not sufficient to determine the type of ornamentation, but the remains are artistically consistent with archaeological examples of decorative work from the geographic region or estimated cultural point of origin, probably Eastern Scandinavia or the Baltic areas. -
Greek and Scythian Arrowhead Collection
5th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Including triangular-section and leaf-shaped socketted types. 16.1 grams total, 18-34 mm
Ex G. White collection, 1980s-1990s. -
Flintlock Pocket Pistol
18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
With 40mm (1½") turn-off barrel, box-lock with sliding safety marked 'CLARK' left and 'LONDON' right; fitted with plain wood butt and octagonal escutcheon; action working. 280 grams, 16 cm
Acquired on the UK market. From the collection of a Kent collector. Acquired on the UK art market.
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.