Medieval Iron Anti-Cavalry Caltrop Group

13th-15th century A.D. Comprising eight caltrops, hand-forged with square-section spikes. Cf. Žákovský, P., ‘Caltrop. Contribution to the knowledge of one neglected weapon (in Bohemian language)’ in Studia Minora Facultatis Philosophicae Universitatis Brunensis, M 12-13, 2007-2008, pp.115-132, fig.9, no.4 (type 3 of Žákovský classification).439 grams total, 88-95 mm (3 3/8 - 3 3/4 in.). Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector. 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. In 1082, Emperor Alexios Komnenos used caltrops against the Norman cavalry in the Balkans but the Normans avoided them by flanking the Roman line. [8, No Reserve]