Loading, please wait...
LOT 1462
Bactrian Bronze Claw Axehead
3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
5 1/4 in. (148 grams, 13.2 cm).
Egg-shaped with spiked prongs to the socket, narrow rounded cutting edge.
ProvenanceEx Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
FootnotesThe '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:
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.
-
Western Asiatic Bronze Socketted Axehead
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
With flat blade a curved cutting edge, hammered round-section tubular socket. 112 grams, 10.8 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s. -
Indian Inscribed Ceremonial Brass Dart
Late 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Comprising a rectangular-section shank with incised diagonal lines and punched pellets; narrow leaf-shaped blade with lateral flanches and notching; tail developing to lateral lobes with incised and punched ornament. 216 grsms, 60.5 cm
Property of a Berkshire, UK, gentleman collector. -
Luristan Bronze Macehead
Late 2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £293
Of cylindrical shape, the upper section with alternating rectangular panels framed by pseudo-rope design and vertical rows of three prominent spikes, a short cylindrical shaft edged at top and bottom. 190 grams, 15.6 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
This weapon has been used in different ways, and it was probably considered the main tool in the Kassite civilisation because of the high number of maces found in this area. Bronze maces in Luristan possibly had wooden handles, although most of them unfortunately, have been eroded and severely deteriorated. According to Khorasani, such maces were realised with the lost-wax process.
