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LOT 1379
Bactrian Bronze Axehead
3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
4 1/8 in. (227 grams, 10.6 cm).
With curved flaring cutting edge, characteristic curving shape and narrow socket, blade end squaring off, shaft hole pierced on both sides.
ProvenanceAcquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent.
Private collection, since the late 1990s.
Cf. Gernez, G., L’armament en métal au Proche et Moyen-Orient: des origines a 1750 av. J.C., Paris, 2007, fig.2.15, type H2.Ia1, for the type.
FootnotesThese collared axes have the specific feature of being equipped with variously shaped rear extensions. The provenance of this typology is clearer than others: these axes came from Margiana and southern Bactria. Gonur Depe and Susa yielded a rather atypical and probably imported example. P. Amiet suggests that they were an adoption of Elamite material, from conceptual and institutional models. They would have developed from the end of the 3rd and the beginning of the 2nd millennium B.C.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1379
Bactrian Bronze Axehead
Estimate £350 - 450€410 - 520 (for guidance only)$470 - 610 (for guidance only)
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Mixed Military and Other Artefact Collection
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Including tailor's chalk, French military medal with ribbon and plate 'Mlaic 1976', square-section clout nails, bone-handled folding fork and corkscrew and other items. 415 grams total, 3.3-10.9 cm
From the private collection of author and historian Dr DeWitt Bailey, one of the global authorities on the confederate army in the US civil war; thence by descent to his grandson. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Ovoid in profile with pointillé and linear decoration, domed filler hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 389 grams, 98 mm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.
Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Luristan Bronze Socketted Spearhead
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
Comprising a lentoid-section, leaf-shaped blade with tapering socket. 285 grams, 38 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1990s.
