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LOT 1080
Roman Provincial Iron Spur Group
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
2 1/8 - 2 3/8 in. (29.6 grams total, 54-62 mm).
With central barbed spike positioned under the pierced central hole, fitted on both sides with arms having circular shaped eyelet-like protuberances. [2]
ProvenanceAcquired on the German art market around 2000.
From the collection of a South African gentleman.
See Bockius, R., 'Zu den Elbgermanischen Kreisplattensporen der frühen römischen Kaiserzeit' in Jahrb. RGZM 38, 1991, pp.497-514, fig.3 fr similar but not identical provincial Roman spur from Martofte.
FootnotesThe prick spur was the first type of spur to be invented, and it consists of a goad or prick, more or less pointed, connected to side arms or a heel plate. They went around the rider’s heel and had a straight post on the back that was used to cue the horse. Often this was sharp, obviously intended to prick the horse, The type here represented seems to be a provincial variant of Roman Imperial prick spur fitted with three eyelets.
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Greek Style Bronze Helmet
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Featuring hammered helmet detailing together with mythical creatures and coiled snakes. 1.5 kg, 30.5 cm high
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
The helmet is modelled upon the pseudo-Corinthian models of antiquity. The gryphon represented refers to the wars between these mythological creatures and the Arimaspes. -
Medieval Bronze Archer's Ring
13th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Incuse geometric detail to the hoop, flange with wheel motif. 10.19 grams, 34.62 mm overall, 20.76 mm internal diameter (approximate size British W 1/2, USA 11 1/4, Europe 25.66, Japan 24)
English collection, early 2000s. Ex central London gallery. -
Greek Bronze Socketted Spear with Iron Head
12th-10th century B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
With foliate head and short tubular socketted shaft. 119 grams, 15 cm
Ex German collection, Cologne, 1980-1990s.
Snodgrass assigns the Athenian iron spearheads to the type A, i.e. spearheads with a leaf-shaped blade, a long socket and a midrib running to the tip. The bronze ones were assigned to typologies C – small, with a leaf-shaped blade (like the present specimen) - and D – with the socket as long as the blade, rounded shoulders and pronounced midrib. Both socket types were beaten round a cylindrical bar, a conservative method to produce bronze sockets even if the head was in iron.