Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1356
Bactrian Bronze Claw Axehead-Mace
2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
4 in. (127 grams, 10.1 cm).
Egg-shaped with spiked sleeves or prongs, the top of the weapon with a narrow edge, the sleeves with small internal tangs for mounting.
Provenance
Acquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
Footnotes
The 'claw mace' was an enigmatic ancient bronze weapon from the Bronze Age Near East. The hollow bulbous head was trailed by tines of varying lengths. It is believed that it was affixed over a wooden shaft and used like a club in combat, and not necessarily used as ceremonial weapon. The knife edge bulb end could have broken bones and proven to be a formidable striking weapon requiring no skill to wield. The tines would have not only been decorative, but have served to add strength below the striking end to prevent breakage. In battle, maces were often used by commanders to display rank when giving orders in battle and leading soldiers, inspiring leadership and power.
CONDITIONVETTING:
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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Large Western Asiatic Bronze Rapier Blade
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Composed of a tanged and barbed blade with raised midrib to both faces. 327 grams, 43.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
In the last ninety years, many such tanged blades have been considered to be coming from centres of production in Amlash and Marlik. Without context accurate dating is impossible, but the shape recalls the rapiers of the Bronze or Early Iron Age. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Dagger
2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With narrow pointed blade and wide raised flange down centre, straight sides, well marked shoulders with wide tang, one upper hole for rivet. 149 grams total, 21 cm high including stand
From the possessions of a member of a German princely family, gathered in the late 19th century, until the 1930s. with Auction House CUSP, Vienna, Auction Antique Art from Asia and from the Eastern Mediterranean, 16 June 2012, lot 75 [Part].
The type was technically more advanced than previous types of blades in the Near East due to its shape and its slightly convex sides widening out near the point, which combined the advantages of the leaf-shaped and straight-sided forms. -
Large Romano-British Bronze Military Boss
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Substantial cast cupola with dimple to the apex, reverse with two ferrous attachment spikes; possibly from a field artillery piece. 174 grams total, 74 mm wide
Reputed to have been excavated near Viables in Hampshire at the end of the 19th century. From the estate of the late Jennifer Simmonds. Acquired from Jacobs & Hunt auctioneers, Petersfield, Hampshire, UK.
