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LOT 1443
Viking Age Iron Snaffle Horse Bit
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
8 1/2 in. (248 grams, 21.5 cm).
Articulated in the middle, with lateral bars and loop to each outer end. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom an old Australian collection.
From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.33(2), for type.
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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Very Large Finno-Ugrian Iron Socketted Spearhead
Circa 12th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Leaf-shaped blade with raised midrib extending to facetted-section tapering socket with fastening hole; professionally cleaned, conserved, and restored. 745 grams, 38.7 cm
Cleaned, conserved and restored.
From the family collection of a South East London collector; formerly acquired in the late 1950s.
The more common weapons of Finno-Ugrian people were axes commonly found from all Finnic areas, as well as spears. Among Baltic and Finnic people, especially in Finland and Karelia, knives called 'puukko' were common, as well as axes, spears, flat bows and longbows. Swords were usually imported from Germanic areas, Sweden, or from elsewhere in Scandinavia, some having often typically Scandinavian animal ornaments, although Finnish-made items have also been found. -
Luristan Bronze Short Sword Blade
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With double-edged blade with central midrib, lateral extensions at the shoulders, and short tang. 341 grams, 47.5 cm
Property of a London gentleman; acquired London art market, 2000s. -
Greek Lead Slingshot
3rd-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Biconical in profile with casting seam and reserved legend 'ΠΕΤΑ'. 30.89 grams, 29 mm
Acquired on the German art market before 2000. Private collection, Munich, Germany.
The term ‘peta’ likely refers to the petaon, a type of ancient Greek leather-pouch or hand-sling, which was used to throw a projectile with a heavy, flat dart known as a kestros. It was not connected with the slingshots, but its meaning was probably linked to the missile throwing activity.
