Medieval Iron Grappling Hook
15th-16th century A.D. Retaining a free-running suspension loop. Cf. Tarassuk, L. & Blair, C., Complete Encyclopaedia of Arms & Weapons, London, 1982, p.199 s.v. grappling iron.598 grams, 22 cm (8 5/8 in.). Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. The device (manus ferreae) was invented by the Romans in approximately 260 B.C.The grappling hook was originally used in naval warfare to catch ship rigging so that it could be boarded (the famous harpax of Agrippa at the battle of Actium in 31 B.C.), then widely employed in the siege wars. [No Reserve]