Viking Helmet and Byzantine Earrings are among the medieval items to be auctioned

Are you looking to get a helmet worn by a Viking or Norman warrior? Or a stunning terracotta horse created in China during the Tang Dynasty? These are among the item going up for auction later this month.

Apollo Art Auctions will be hosting a two-day auction scheduled for the 12th and 13th of October. Taking place both online and in person at their London showroom, the auction will feature 950 items from the medieval, ancient and early modern periods. Here are some of the medieval highlights from the sale:

Byzantine Gold Earrings

“A magnificent pair of matching Byzantine gold earrings with lunar-shaped bodies composed of two gold leaves that are engraved and enamelled on the side. On side A of the earrings is a central cross flanked by two doves facing each other. On side B of the earrings is a central floral motif flanked by two polygonal stripes with flowers.” – estimated price will be between £12,000 – £20,000

Chinese Terracotta Horse

“The horse stands in a resting pose with a gracefully arched neck and low head. The horse’s musculature is rendered in great detail. The animal presents a pronounced snout with flared nostrils, an open mouth, a nicely arranged mane and a tail. The horse is adorned with an elaborate harness with dangling tassels, a bridle, as well as a saddle blanket and saddle. This piece has been precisely dated using a thermoluminescence analysis carried out by Ralf Kotalla.” – estimated price will be between £3,000 – £6,000.

13th-century Aquamanile

“A very rare medieval European aquamanile in the shape of a lion with superb patina. His tail is wrapped between his back legs. Aquamaniles were used to ceremonially wash hands before a religious service or eating food, especially during large banquets.” – estimated price will be between £120,000 – £200,000

16th-century Italian armour

“An incredible half-suit of infantry armour, the whole surface of each piece having been lavishly etched and gilt. The central boss on the breastplate depicts an image of the infant Christ in the arms of the Virgin Mary under which is the signature POMP. This signature communicates that this armour was made by the famed Pompeo Della Cesa, one of the leading armourers of the late sixteenth century, arguably the foremost amongst his Italian compatriots, and the master of a large operation based in Milan.” – estimated price will be between £600,000 – £1,200,000

Helmet from the 10th or 11th century

“A fabulous Viking or Norman conical helmet inlaid with dragon motifs on the brow and nose guard. The helmet is made from two parts; the cone, which is hammered from a single sheet of iron and the T-shaped nasal guard, which is attached to the rest of the helmet with five rivets. The dragon inlay is apparent on the brow and one appears on either side of the nasal guard. On the nasal guard itself, there is further inlaid decoration. At the base of the helmet is a series of holes that would have most likely supported a helmet.” – estimated price will be between £15,000 – £30,000

On the lower end of the price scale, one can find Byzantine crosses, a Viking-Age arrowhead or an Abbasid glass bottle. Those in London can see the items in person at a public viewing from October 7th to October 11th at the Apollo showroom at 63-64 Margaret Street, W1W 8SW. To learn more, please visit auction.apolloauctions.com