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LOT 1782
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 1782
Bactrian Bronze Axehead
Estimate £300 - 400€350 - 460 (for guidance only)$410 - 540 (for guidance only)
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Greek Iron Short Sword
Hellenistic, 2nd-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Lentoid in section with two cutting edges and narrow point; slight flare towards the tip; small shoulder and rectangular-section tang. 400 grams, 56 cm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
This style of straight, parallel-sided weapon is referred to in Greek sources of the time as a xiphe. It was a secondary battlefield armament after the spear and javelin. It is associated with the revolutionary developments in armour, weaponry and tactics between the Classical and Iron Age periods. -
Greek Slingshot with Snake
4th-1st century B.C.Estimate: £200 - 300 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Lentoid in form with raised figure of a coiled snake to one face, possible legend to reverse. 31.2 grams, 31 mm
Private collection, Austria. Private collection, Europe. -
Roman Lead Slingshot of Quintus Sertorius
Sertorian Wars, 82-72 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £650
Lentoid in form with raised legend to reverse: 'Q.SERT / PPOR C'; casting flange to rim. 57.2 grams, 33 mm
Acquired on the UK art market, early 2000s. Property of a London, UK, antiquarian.
The inscription refers to Quintus Sertorius, the Roman statesman and general (123-72 BC).