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LOT 1270
Bronze Age 'The Manston Hoard' Palstave Axehead
MIDDLE BRONZE AGE, 1400-1150 B.C.
7 1/8 in. (480 grams, 18 cm).
Complete and one of the best examples in the hoard; triangular flanges rise from the butt to the stop bar; below the septum a hollow to both faces; narrow body expanding to a wide triangular blade with slight flare at the tips; a rare opportunity to acquire a British Bronze Age axe from a recorded treasure hoard. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound near Manston, Kent, UK, 2016.
Accompanied by copies of the British Museum's portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.KENT-495597 and disclaimed as Treasure with reference no.2016 T618.
See Portable Antiquities Scheme, reference PAS KENT-495597 (this find).
LiteratureSee Evans, J., The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881, pp.76-84, and figs.56-68, for similar types.
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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Bronze Age Spectacle Brooch
8th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Comprising a pair of opposing wire coils decreasing in thickness from edge to centre, a figure-of-eight to the centre; integral pin and catch-plate to the reverse. 84 grams, 13.3 cm
From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.
The spectacle fibula was widely distributed from the Balkans and northern Greece to southern Italy. Seven variations occur under this type with modifications made to the discs of the fibulae as well as the central connecting device. In the first and second variations (variant 2-2b of Hambleton, the type here), the discs are coiled, whereas in the third and fourth the centre of the coil is left open. The figure eight loop also becomes shorter and wider in the fourth variant. -
Bronze Age Decorated Sceptre Head
1200-1000 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,860
The stem composed of two vertically arranged bicones, conical knop to chest, collar and broad everted head above, two downwards-directed tapering round-section arms; mounted on a custom-made display base. 621 grams total, 29.5 cm wide including stand
Acquired in Europe before 2000. Private collection, Europe. -
Bronze Age 'Axel Guttman' European Bronze Rapier with Spirals
16th-14th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
With swollen tapering blade, finely incised with concentric rings and spirals at the top of the blade and extended parallel lines; pierced hilt for the fastening of an organic hilt; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 520 grams total, 43.5 cm high including stand
Ex Axel Guttmann collection, AG 1033. The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, Part 2, 28 April 2004, lot 17. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no. 11829-207734.
From the middle of the 2nd millennium B.C., the bronze sword became the most efficient and feared weapon, as well as the symbol of an aristocratic warrior.
