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LOT 1559
Fencing Épée with Engraved Brass Basket
20TH CENTURY A.D.
41 3/4 in. (472 grams, 106 cm).
Slender triangular-section blade with scooped quillons, bell guard with engraved foliage ornament, and inner fabric sleeve, turned grip with knop finial. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceProperty of a Berkshire, UK, gentleman collector.
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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Indian Iron Dagger with Green Glass Hilt
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Comprising a swept two-edged blade with ribbed central panel, bird-head pommel to the grip with incised rosette. 480 grams, 42 cm
Private collection, UK. -
Luristan Bronze Socketted Spearhead
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Comprising a lentoid-section, leaf-shaped blade with tapering socket. 285 grams, 38 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1990s. -
Bactrian Bronze Claw Axehead
3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Egg-shaped with spiked prongs to the socket, narrow rounded cutting edge. 148 grams, 13.2 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
The '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.