Lot

193

Roman sole of a shoe with hobnail holes

In Auction 5 - Charity Auction 2024

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El Campello , Alicante
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El Campello , Alicante
ITEM: Sole of a shoe with hobnail holes
MATERIAL: Leather
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 215 mm x 77 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, acquired before 1990s
PARALLEL: BRITISH MUSEUM Collection, Accession number 1856,0701.7247, 1856,0701.1045, 1856,0701.7235 and 1856,0701.7237

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

The soles from the Roman period represents a common feature of Roman military and civilian footwear, particularly the caligae, the heavy-duty sandals worn by Roman soldiers. Hobnails were small metal studs or nails inserted into the soles of shoes to provide extra durability, traction, and protection, especially for those who frequently marched on rough terrain. The soles of Roman shoes were typically made from thick layers of leather, into which these nails were driven, creating a robust and long-lasting sole. Hobnails not only prevented excessive wear but also improved grip, making them essential for soldiers who had to navigate diverse landscapes during campaigns.

In terms of construction, the hobnails were inserted from the inside of the shoe, with their heads secured within the leather to prevent discomfort for the wearer. The nails’ pointed ends protruded through the outer surface of the sole, forming a grid-like pattern. These shoes, with their studded soles, became iconic of the Roman military and are often depicted in Roman art and statues. Civilians, too, used hobnailed shoes, particularly those who worked in agriculture or traveled long distances, where the enhanced durability was essential for daily life. Excavations at military camps and Roman settlements frequently uncover these soles, with the distinctive pattern of hobnail holes still visible.

Hobnail shoes not only had a practical function but also carried symbolic and tactical significance in the Roman period. For soldiers, the sound of hobnailed boots—often described as a clattering or stomping noise—became a symbol of Roman military presence and power. The sound alone could instill fear in enemies. Additionally, the tough soles protected soldiers’ feet during long marches, allowing the Roman legions to cover vast distances more effectively. Archaeological finds of these shoes, particularly at battlefields and military forts, provide valuable insights into Roman military life, showing how practical innovations like hobnail soles contributed to the strength and mobility of Rome’s armies.

ITEM: Sole of a shoe with hobnail holes
MATERIAL: Leather
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 215 mm x 77 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, acquired before 1990s
PARALLEL: BRITISH MUSEUM Collection, Accession number 1856,0701.7247, 1856,0701.1045, 1856,0701.7235 and 1856,0701.7237

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

The soles from the Roman period represents a common feature of Roman military and civilian footwear, particularly the caligae, the heavy-duty sandals worn by Roman soldiers. Hobnails were small metal studs or nails inserted into the soles of shoes to provide extra durability, traction, and protection, especially for those who frequently marched on rough terrain. The soles of Roman shoes were typically made from thick layers of leather, into which these nails were driven, creating a robust and long-lasting sole. Hobnails not only prevented excessive wear but also improved grip, making them essential for soldiers who had to navigate diverse landscapes during campaigns.

In terms of construction, the hobnails were inserted from the inside of the shoe, with their heads secured within the leather to prevent discomfort for the wearer. The nails’ pointed ends protruded through the outer surface of the sole, forming a grid-like pattern. These shoes, with their studded soles, became iconic of the Roman military and are often depicted in Roman art and statues. Civilians, too, used hobnailed shoes, particularly those who worked in agriculture or traveled long distances, where the enhanced durability was essential for daily life. Excavations at military camps and Roman settlements frequently uncover these soles, with the distinctive pattern of hobnail holes still visible.

Hobnail shoes not only had a practical function but also carried symbolic and tactical significance in the Roman period. For soldiers, the sound of hobnailed boots—often described as a clattering or stomping noise—became a symbol of Roman military presence and power. The sound alone could instill fear in enemies. Additionally, the tough soles protected soldiers’ feet during long marches, allowing the Roman legions to cover vast distances more effectively. Archaeological finds of these shoes, particularly at battlefields and military forts, provide valuable insights into Roman military life, showing how practical innovations like hobnail soles contributed to the strength and mobility of Rome’s armies.

Auction 5 - Charity Auction 2024

Sale Date(s)
Venue Address
Apartado de Correos 521
El Campello
Alicante
03560
Spain

3. EXPORT LICENSES: All pieces have the corresponding export license to be shipped out of Spain.

3.1 For bidders from the European Union, it is not necessary to apply for any additional export license, as the one included in the piece is valid.

3.2 For bidders outside the European Union it will be necessary to apply again for an export license for your country, this usually takes from 4 weeks to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the auction price. This cost will be added to the final price of each lot purchased.

8. The shipment, in general, take place within the three days following the receipt of payment, except in cases of agreement between both parties, in which case the client will be informed of the exact date and the means of dispatch. In the case where the country of destination is not Europe, the dispatching of the piece will take place in the same conditions stated, but counting from the receipt of the corresponding export permission issued by the Spanish authorities.

8.1. If you win more than one item, we can do a combined shipment and you will not be charged extra for it, unless one of the pieces won makes shipping more expensive.

8.2. Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value. For shipments outside Europe, customs and duties may apply upon entry in to customer country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer’s responsibility. We will not falsify customs value on international shipments! If you have questions about this, please inquire before bidding.

8.3. As a guideline, for a small parcel, our courier and insured shipping rates are: 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 39,95 € for America and Asia. If its a medium parcel, 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 69,95 € for America and Asia. In case it is large, heavy or for a value of more than 1000 euros may be increased slightly from the rates shown.

8.4 For pieces that are very fragile or very large in size/weight and that can only be shipped within the European Union, United Kingdom and neighbouring countries that can be transported by road will be shipped by private courier (door to door) and the price will be 350 euros, 100 euros for Spain.

Important Information

Charity Auction 2024, 4% of hammer price will go to the Food Bank and Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). Ancient Art at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Affordable in-house shipping.

Terms & Conditions

1. All ancient items offered for sale have been acquired strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO’s heritage norms, and guaranteed to be as described.

2. Our cataloguings, descriptions and certificates has been carried in accordance with their professional experience, previous investigation and checking against similar pieces catalogued in public collections, private collections or to be found in the art market.

3. EXPORT LICENSES: All pieces have the corresponding export license to be shipped out of Spain.

3.1 For bidders from the European Union, it is not necessary to apply for any additional export license, as the one included in the piece is valid.

3.2 For bidders outside the European Union it will be necessary to apply again for an export license for your country, this usually takes from 4 weeks to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the auction price. This cost will be added to the final price of each lot purchased.

4. The bidder guarantees payment for the item(s). In case of discrepancy, the lot or lots may be offered for sale again.

5. All lots will sell to the highest bidder without hidden or confidential reserves. Prices marked as estimates (both minimum and maximum) are for reference only. The hammer price may be higher or lower depending on the demand.

6. PAYMENT POLICY: To provide a seamless bidder checkout, all winning lots will be invoiced through the system the bidder has chosen for the live auction, unless bidder chooses to pay Your Antiquarian directly via credit card (MasterCard or Visa), PayPal or Bank Wire Transfer. If bidder chooses to pay Your Antiquarian directly, bidder must contact us to arrange payment. Payments not made within 15 days of auction’s end will forfeit bidder’s right to purchase said item(s), with item(s) relisted to next appropriate auction.

6.1 If the customer wishes to pay through our website, we will generate a payment link and the customer can choose the payment method that is most suitable, payment by Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa or American Express), Bank Transfer or PayPal. Payment with PayPal is subject to an increase of 3% of the invoice.

7. BUYER’S PREMIUM: A 8% Buyer’s Premium will be added to the final price of each lot purchased.

8. The shipment, in general, take place within the three days following the receipt of payment, except in cases of agreement between both parties, in which case the client will be informed of the exact date and the means of dispatch. In the case where the country of destination is not Europe, the dispatching of the piece will take place in the same conditions stated, but counting from the receipt of the corresponding export permission issued by the Spanish authorities.

8.1. If you win more than one item, we can do a combined shipment and you will not be charged extra for it, unless one of the pieces won makes shipping more expensive.

8.2. Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value. For shipments outside Europe, customs and duties may apply upon entry in to customer country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer’s responsibility. We will not falsify customs value on international shipments! If you have questions about this, please inquire before bidding.

8.3. As a guideline, for a small parcel, our courier and insured shipping rates are: 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 39,95 € for America and Asia. If its a medium parcel, 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 69,95 € for America and Asia. In case it is large, heavy or for a value of more than 1000 euros may be increased slightly from the rates shown.

8.4 For pieces that are very fragile or very large in size/weight and that can only be shipped within the European Union, United Kingdom and neighbouring countries that can be transported by road will be shipped by private courier (door to door) and the price will be 350 euros, 100 euros for Spain.

9. RETURN POLICY: We have a no quibble 90 days return policy. We accept returns for any reason within 90 days of you receiving your item. The item(s) must returned in the same conditions in which the received (no damage or deterioration). The expenses that could derive from the return (transport, insurance, etc) will be at the expense of the buyer.

10. On the prevention of money laundering or terrorist financing, according with directive (EU) 2015/849 and 2018/843, all clients will be asked to provide proof of identification (valid passport, driving license, ID card and a proof of address) when purchasing or selling art works valued 10.000 € or more in a single or linked transaction. If you represent a company you will need to provide details of directors, evidence of incorporation and the ultimate beneficial owners.

11. QUESTIONS: For any questions, before / during and after the auction, feel free to email us: admin@yourantiquarian.com or a Whatsapp to the number +34 644811359. We will be happy to help you in any way we can.

Last update: September 28th, 2024

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Tags: Roman