Volga Bulgar Bronze Lion Belt Mount Group

Suitable for use with an onager or other catapult-type siege weapon; with smooth surface. 1.4 kg, 10 cm



Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.

The operation of the onager (Latin for 'wild ass') is first mentioned in 353 A.D. by Ammianus Marcellinus in his Res Gestae and more fully in Vegetius's Epitoma Rei Militaris probably written in the reign of Emperor Theodosius I (378-395 A.D.).

Large rounded two-part bowl rivetted beneath the repoussé crest extending across the brow and around the circumference; repoussé arches above the eyes extending to the nasal; lateral D-shaped cheek-pieces with scallop to the forward edge, pierced for a chin-strap; some restoration of the bowl and one cheek-piece; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 4.7 kg total, 48 cm high including stand



Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector. 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.11751-202770.

According both to Symonenko and Dedjulkin (2014, p.189, fig.9, nn.4-5-6), this category of helmet derives from Chalcidian types (with pseudo-Illyrian elements). As with Chalcidian helmets, our specimen shows vertical decorative lines on the bowl and triangular brow ornament. Distinct from Attic types, it does not have a protruding neck guard introduced on variant III of such helmets (Symonenko, 2014, fig. 15,2-3). According to Dedjulkin, these helmets derive from Greek prototypes, but are simplifications of the original models and made by local artisans. They were widely worn by mercenaries in the Hellenised armies of Pontus and other Hellenistic kingdoms across the Eastern Mediterranean.

Comprising a cross-shaped hand guard, the blade with a slight curvature widening towards the point; mounted on a custom-made wall mount. 1.35 kg total, 95 cm including stand

Still-homogenous blade structure, pitting and traces of surface material losses due to the permanence in water; presence of many battle nicks on the cutting part of the blade.

Private collection, Munich, Germany, 1970s. Private collection, London, UK, 2014, acquired from the above.

The Turkish sabres from 15th century, had hilts similar to Omayyad and Abbasid's swords. The blades were long and heavy and were most probably used for swinging cuts, and were particularly convenient for point-thrusts when fighting on foot.