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LOT 0305
Byzantine Iron Spathion Sword
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
31 7/8 in. (698 grams, 81cm).
An Eastern Roman spathion with long, double-edged parallel blade, a tapering, medium length tang, retaining possible remains of the fabrica mark in the middle, near the rivet hole for the handle. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1970-1980.
From the collection of a Surrey gentleman.
See Popov, S., 'Four Swords from the National Archaeological Museum in Sofia' in Lazarenko, I., Acta Musei Varnaensis X, 1–2, Varna, 2018, pp.137-142.
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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Luristan Bronze Horse Harness Cheekpiece
11th-8th century B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £160
In the form of a righthand side bar, surmounted by two loops for additional straps, ending in a lion's head at the front, the other extremity bending outwards and ending with a conical tip, remains of the iron bar visible on the sides; once belonging to an articulate bit. 130 grams, 13.5 cm wide
Fine condition.
Acquired mid 1980s to early 1990s. Private family collection formed in London, UK.
The association of Psalia in the shape of a bar and with an articulated bit is documented in Assyria, in Media and in central Iran starting from the 10th century B.C., but the zoomorphic elements of this specimen suggest that it was produced in Luristan. The use of articulated bits, which moved inside the horse's mouth, exerting a minimal pressure on the reins, allowed for better control of the mount. -
Margiana Bronze Axehead
Late 2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £140
With a narrow neck and rounded bill-shaped blade, rounded wings to the socket and square-headed stud behind. 289 grams, 18.3 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1988.
These categories of axes were of Oriental production, coming from the territories of Bactria and Margiana, occasionally imported in Elam and Luristan. The anthropomorphic and zoomorphic patterns are sometimes visible, as well as the button at the back of the heel (very common) are related to examples of Luristan, but the style differs markedly. -
Indian Quatar Iron Dagger
18th-19th century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £550
Comprising a broad blade tapering to an armour-piercing point, the steel side bars and balustered grips decorated with copper Koftgari work flowers and scrolls. 488 grams, 48 cm
General condition very good.
Property of a London gallery.
Unique to South Asia, the quatar or katar was a dagger that held at the crossbars with a clenched fist. The weapon was meant to be thrust into the opponent or prey from a close range. Rajput and Mughal royalty used this weapon to hunt tigers and even crocodiles to demonstrate their bravery and martial skill.
