TimeLine Auctions

Auction 153  –  5 - 9 September 2023

TimeLine Auctions, Auction 153

Greek, Roman, Egyptian & Other Antiquities, Natural History & Coins

Part 1: Tu, 05.09.2023, from 1:00 PM CEST
Part 2: We, 06.09.2023, from 1:00 PM CEST
Part 3: Th, 07.09.2023, from 1:00 PM CEST
Part 4: Fr, 08.09.2023, from 1:00 PM CEST
Part 5: Sa, 09.09.2023, from 1:00 PM CEST
The auction is closed.
Please note: Lots not collected by the seventh working day following the Date of Sale will be moved to storage at a transfer cost of £20 plus VAT per Lot and storage charges will thereafter be applied at the rate of £1.90 plus VAT per Lot per day until collected.

Description

Roman Iron Anti-Cavalry Caltrop
3rd-4th century A.D. or later. Composed of four arms tipped with triangular spikes. Cf. Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und die Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch-Altenburg, 2017, item 204, for type. 24 grams, 73 mm (2 7/8 in.).

Acquired on the German art market around 2000s. From the collection of an EU gentleman living in the UK. Caltrops were scattered on battlefields in an effort to stop or slow advancing enemy cavalry or foot soldiers; regardless of how a caltrop lands, one spike is always facing upwards. Caesar used widely them at Alesia (Caes., BG 7.73? 82): 'Stakes a foot long, with iron hooks attached to them, were entirely sunk in the ground before these, and were planted in every place at small intervals; these they called spurs'.

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Bidding

Price realized 170 GBP
Starting price 90 GBP
Estimate 100 GBP
The auction is closed.
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