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LOT 1546
Bactrian Bronze Claw Axehead-Mace
2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
4 1/4 in. (190 grams, 10.9 cm).
Egg-shaped with spiked sleeves or prongs, the top of the weapon with a narrow edge.
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market before 2000.
Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
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. Egg-shaped with spiked sleeves or prongs, the top of the weapon with a narrow edge, the sleeves with small internal tangs for mounting.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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Massive Amlash Bronze Spearhead Blade
9th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
With ovate blade, strong midrib and socketted shaft with fastening holes. 729 grams, 38.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The massive spear was used by chariot fighters to strike each other, or strike the enemy infantry from above. Similar specimens with longer sockets were excavated by Negahban in Amlash area. According to Moorey, sockets as long, if not longer than the blade, are a characteristic of Iranian spearheads in the late 2nd and early 1st millennium B.C. A similar spearhead from the Tappeh Sialk has been dated 9th-7th century B.C. -
Luristan Bronze Blade
8th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
Pointed blade with shallow midrib increasing in width near the ricasso, cast in one with the hilt, square shoulders, circular hilt with horizontal grooves, pommel with facing horses heads. 167 grams, 44 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The skill of the Iranian metalworkers of this period is reflected in the numerous ornate pommels in bronze and iron found on weapons from Luristan and Iron Age Talish graves, which show close connections with the Lelvar culture of Southern Caucasus. -
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Marlik Bronze Spearhead
14th-10th century B.C.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
With rounded shoulders and square-section mid-rib running to the tip; short tang. 280 grams, 38.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The blade belongs to the type VI of Marlik spearheads according to the Khorasani classification, with a long blade and a short tang, slightly rounded shoulders and pronounced midrib. Such spearheads have been excavated from the Marlik Royal Cemetery by Dr Negahban in Tomb 15, Trench XIII G.
