Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 1583

Byzantine Iron Bearded Axehead with Spike

9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.

9 in. (411 grams, 22.7 cm).

Double-edged battle axe with broad trapezoidal blade elongated towards the bottom, with rhomboidal and blunt fixing hole shaft, the opposite end formed by a long and thick spike. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Ex USA private collection, 1970s-1990s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Literature

Cf. D'Amato, R., 'Armi e strumenti di lavoro da Iasos (Tools and weapons from Iasos)' in Bollettino dell'associazione Iasos di Caria, 23, Ferrara, 2017, pp.2-13, fig. 11, p.9.

Footnotes

The double-edged axe was used by the Roman cavalry between the 9th and 11th centuries. The correspondence of this example with the types described by Emperor Leo VI the Wise, is surprising: it is clear that this typology was not a working tool but a war axe, suitable for breaking helmets, breastplates, shields and skulls since it inflicted devastating blows to the head and arms by damaging the protective equipment.

CONDITION

VETTING:

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.

LOT 1583

Byzantine Iron Bearded Axehead with Spike

Sold for (Inc. bp): £312

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Luristan Decorated Bronze Axehead
    Luristan Decorated Bronze Axehead
    Circa 12th-8th century B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £156

    Wedge-shaped blade and a cylindrical socket with collared base and an upper face of stylised zoomorphic form, possibly representing a moufflon with jutting muzzle and horns above represented by a single scroll; the blade long, with a slightly convex blunt edge. 236 grams, 14.1 cm



    Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. Ex TimesAncient, Bristol, UK. Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue entry. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

    The moufflon is a regularly used symbol in Luristan art.

    Lot Details

  • Western Asiatic Tanged Bronze Spearhead
    Western Asiatic Tanged Bronze Spearhead
    1500-1000 B.C.

    Estimate: £250 - 350 (‡+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £125

    With heavily ridged and tapered blade, short collared shaft and tapered bent tang with round stud terminal. 247 grams, 28.5 cm



    Acquired in Europe in 1997. European private collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Roman Pompey the Great Lead Slingshot
    Roman 'Pompey the Great' Lead Slingshot
    1st century B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £364

    Biconical lead slingshot (glans) with inscription in Latin letters 'CN' (Cneius) 'MAG' (Magnus) on one side, and 'IMP' for 'IMPERATOR' (victorious general) to the other side, i.e Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus Imperator (Pompey the Great the victorious general). 81 grams, 47 mm



    From the collection of a London antiquarian, formed since the 1980s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list