Loading, please wait...

Bactrian Bronze Axehead Bactrian Bronze Axehead Bactrian Bronze Axehead
Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Details

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.

Provenance

Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent.
Private collection, since the late 1990s.

Literature

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.

Footnotes

These 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.

CONDITION
VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process


AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 1782

Bactrian Bronze Axehead

Estimate £300 - 400€350 - 460 (for guidance only)$410 - 540 (for guidance only)

Print page

RELATED LOTS
  • Western Asiatic Polished Stone Macehead
    Western Asiatic Polished Stone Macehead
    3rd-2nd millennium B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £117

    Ovoid body with a round socket. 233 grams, 63 mm



    From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman, 1990s.

    Lot Details

  • Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead Collection
    Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead Collection
    2nd-1st millennium B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £312

    Comprising leaf-shaped and triangular tanged arrowheads, most with a raised midrib. 238 grams total, 8.1-18.7 cm



    London, UK, collection, 1990s.

    All these bronze typologies of arrowheads were cast in moulds. Similar specimens have been found in Northwest and West Iran, Azerbaijan, Luristan and Amlash. Most of these blades are bipartite, but the definition of the bipartite type is not absolute, as it brings together weapons of very different and unrelated designs. In fact, some weapons do not have a sufficiently characteristic shape to be interpreted as a javelin or long arrowhead.

    Lot Details

  • Greek Bronze Arrowhead
    Greek Bronze Arrowhead
    Circa 5th-3rd century B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £390

    A triangular bronze arrowhead on a display stand with a glass cover. 113 grams total, 16.6 cm including stand



    Purchased on the European art market. Property of a Norfolk, UK, collector.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list