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.
-
Maasai Lion-Killing Iron Spearhead
Late 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Comprising a long parallel-sided flat blade with slight midrib broadening to a rounded tip, flared shoulders and long conical socket. 544 grams, 79.5 cm
Property of a Berkshire, UK, gentleman collector. -
Fencing Épée with Engraved Brass Basket
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Slender triangular-section blade with scooped quillons, bell guard with engraved foliage ornament, and inner fabric sleeve, turned grip with knop finial. 472 grams, 106 cm
Property of a Berkshire, UK, gentleman collector. -
.jpg)
Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead Collection
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
Comprising tanged arrowheads, four with large elongated triangular blades and raised midrib, sharp central groove, three with barbed shoulders and cylindrical stem with handle for the shaft; three with barbed shoulders and convex on sides, one elongated triangular type with barbed shoulders and flat socket, one with trilobate blade and another with short tang and barbed blade with raised midrib. 305 grams total, 6.5-13.6 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.
These arrowheads seem to belong to the type V, subcategory types A, B, C and D according to the classification of Khorasani and Negahban. In the four categories of triangular bronze arrowheads from Luristan, Marlik, and Northern Iran, individuated by Negahban, subtypes C and D of type V are larger arrow or javelin heads, C with barbed shoulders and D with round shoulders. Most of them were cast in moulds.
