Description:

Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A slightly curved iron hook with a wide, cylindrical socket. The blade of the hook is flat, and they were made by Roman blacksmiths to be versatile weapons and tools. These hooks, placed on the end of long wooden poles were used aboard ships to pull on ropes (or drag another ship close) and Titus Livius's account of Roman history describes their use in sieges: "The consul, having now finished his lines and engines, assaulted the town in five places at once… He battered the walls with rams, and pulled down the battlements with poles armed with iron hooks" (Chapter V). Size: 10.3" L x 1.75" W (26.2 cm x 4.4 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Estate of John Piscopo. Mr. Piscopo was one of the largest collectors of ancient weapons in the US with a collection that spanned all cultures, all ages.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#116709

  • Condition: Corrosion/rusting/pitting, with losses to the socket as shown, but clear shape.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

For all items there is a 19.5% Buyer's Premium.

November 7, 2016 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000