Loading, please wait...
LOT 0262
Scythian Chalcidian Helmet with Embossed Stags
3RD-1ST CENTURY B.C.
9 1/8 in. (696 grams, 31cm high).
Chalcidian or Illyrian variant (Caucasian type), constructed from two halves with the right side overlapping the left, embossed ram horns on the brow, with a profile image of a stag to both sides; hinged cheek-pieces with regularly disposed holes to the outer edges; some restoration.
ProvenanceAcquired on the European art market, mid-1980s.
Private collection, Oxford, UK.
From the collection of a London doctor.
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.12339-228100.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. Rabinovich, B. Z., Trudy Otdela istorii pervobytnoi kul’tury Gosudarstvennogo Ermitazha (Works of the Department of history of prehistoric culture of the State Hermitage) I, Leningrad, 1941, pp. 99-171; Erlikh, V. R., Rossiiskaia Arkheologiia (Russian Archaeology) (3), 1996, pp.176-179 (in Russian); Chernenko, E.V., The Scythians 700-300 BC, Hong Kong, 1998; Shevchenko, N.F., Zaitsev, Yu. P., Mordvintseva V. I. in Vestnik drevnei istorii (Bulletin of Ancient History) (1), 2011, pp.115-152 (in Russian); Симоненко А. В., 'Шлемы сарматского времени из Восточной Европы (Sarmatian Age Helmets from Eastern Europe)', in Stratum Plus, no. 4, 2014, pp.249-284; Negin, A.E., Negin, A. E., 'Pozdnerimskie shlemy s prodol'nym grebnem', in Germania-Sarmatia II, Kaliningrad-Kursk, 2010, pp.343–58; Hixenbaugh, R., Ancient Greek Helmets, a complete guide and catalogue, New York, 2019, nos.H303-H304.
FootnotesThe cultural interchange and the military contacts between the Nomads of Kuban and the Hellenic peoples allowed the Sindo-Meothic, Scythian, or Sarmatian noblemen to equip themselves with such beautiful defensive equipment. The helmet finds its closest parallel in a specimen published by A.E. Negin, belonging to the Puskin Fine Arts Museum of Moscow, originally in the collection of S. Karakowskij (Negin, 2010, p.354 no.6; Hixenbaugh H304). Some of the helmets of this type were modified according to the nomadic (Scythian or Sarmatian) taste, being decorated with religious elements, like the deer.
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.
-
.jpg)
Mesopotamian Bronze Javelin Head
3rd-2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
With foliate blade, raised mid-rib, medium length stem widening at its base and forming a small stop, rectangular-section tang with bent terminal. 184 grams, 46.7 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The specimen belongs to the category of tripartite spears with long pointed biconvex blade and single bevelled tang. They seem to be a Mesopotamian and Susian (Elamite) variant, and this type also includes decorated blades, like the spear from Tello with the inscription 'King of Kish'. -
Anglo-Zulu War 'Battle of Khambula' Carved Stone Smoking Pipe Head
29 March 1879 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Columnar pipe bowl with waisted profile. 236 grams, 74 mm
Found by Zulu natives, Khambula, South Africa, 1990s-early 2000s. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Following defeats by the Zulu army at Isandlwana and Hiobane, the British were desperate for a victory, which they secured at Khambula. -
Viking Age Iron Bearded Axehead
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
With curved blade, spur below, round socket with lateral flanges. 635 grams, 15 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
