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LOT 1096
Amlash Type Spearhead
12TH-11TH CENTURY B.C.
18 1/2 in. (468 grams, 47 cm).
Long, parallel-sided with deep midrib, broad tip, round-section neck with V-shaped recess to each face and thick square-section tang.
ProvenanceEx German collection, Cologne, 1980-1990s.
LiteratureSee Negahban, E., Weapons from Marlik, Berlin, 1995, plate VI, no.78; Khorasani M.M., Arms and Armour from Iran. The Bronze Age to the End of the Qajar Period, Tübingen, 2006, items 279-280, for type.
FootnotesThis weapon belongs to the type 1 of the spear-head classification of Khorasani, mainly from Marlik or Amlash areas. Similar pieces have been dated by Stutzinger to 1200-1100 BC.
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Elamite Bronze Macehead
Early 2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Of tapering cylindrical form with flange to socket, the upper body displaying vertical columns of chevrons between plain bands. 449 grams, 23 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
This gorz mace head belongs to the category of truncheon-shaped mace-heads, a type developed on the Iranian plateau during the Bronze Age, used by Elamite and Luristan warriors since the 3rd millennium B.C. This category of objects was also interpreted as a part of a shaft or cudgel, but most scholars agree on the interpretation of use as a mace. -
Roman Iron Anti-Cavalry Caltrop
3rd-4th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £195
Composed of four arms tipped with triangular spikes. 29 grams, 86 mm
Acquired on the German art market around 2000. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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. Caesar used widely them at Alesia (Caes., BG 7.73; 82): 'Stakes a foot long, with iron hooks attached to them, were entirely sunk in the ground before these, and were planted in every place at small intervals; these they called spurs'. -
Large Viking Iron Socketted Spearhead
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Comprising a leaf-shaped blade with lozenge cross-section, raised midrib, closed tubular socket; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 1.76 kg total, 43.5 cm including stand
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.
The spear belongs to the type A of the first main group of Viking spears, the so-called Frankish spearheads, which occur between 750 and 950 A.D., but mainly in the 8th and 9th centuries. The Mediterranean influence is still evident on the foliate shape of the blade.
