Inscribed Greek Graeve

With inscription, [...] Ẹ O // H I Ạ R A // E [Ṃ] I

6th-5th century BC

Hammered, incised and punched bronze

Height: 30 cm

Provenance

Collection of Axel Guttmann (1944-2001), Berlin.

Hermann Historica, Auction 60, Antiquities including pieces from the Axel Guttmann Collection, 13 October 2010, Lot 2169 (part)

An enigmatic ancient Greek bronze trophy of war. Once a greave worn by a hoplite in battle and later nailed to a wooden support and incised with a dedication to the gods, the partial inscription in Doric Greek reading, 'I am sacred to the god'. An icon of warfare and warrior culture from a pivotal era in Western civilisation.

£25,000