Loading, please wait...
LOT 1121
Ghaznavid Iron Knife with Calligraphic Inlays
10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
12 3/8 in. (91 grams, 31.5 cm).
Composed of a C-shaped socketted hilt and slender blade with single cutting edge slightly curved towards the tip; the outer face of the socket, the top edge and one side of the blade inlaid with gilt inscription, the other side of the blade displaying two gilt felines. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceLondon collection since the 1980s.
Property of a Canadian family.
Cf. Bashir, M., The Arts of the Muslim Knight, The Furusiyya Art Foundation Collection, Milano, 2008, p.143, for the dagger type.
FootnotesThe gilding process used on the blade seems to be an exceptionally rare example of what was known in medieval Islamic literary sources as ‘gold water’. The blade seems to have been decorated with a Kufic inscription to three sides. It bears witness to the extraordinary sophistication of the metalworkers and jewellers of this period.
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.
-
Tower Long Sea Service Flintlock Pistol
1800 A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,111
Napoleonic era with 30cm (12") round smooth bore barrel of .56" bore with London proof marks, the lock with 'TOWER', 'crown-over-GR' and 'crown-over-broad-arrow' marks fitted with brass-tipped wood ramrod and wood full stock and butt with brass butt cap, trigger guard, side plate and ferrule with steel belt hook; action working to half and full cock. 1.40 kg, 49 cm
Acquired from Andrew Bottomley, UK. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the Bottomley listing. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.204079.
Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the Firearms Act, 1968, to be held as a curiosity or ornament. No license required but buyer must be over 18 years of age. Overseas bidders should note that, due to UK regulations governing export of all firearms, overseas buyers will need to make arrangements for shipping this lot out of the UK directly, by air freight, with a specialist company or agent. -
Luristan Bronze Sword Blade
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Comprising a narrow leaf-shaped blade with midrib and lateral channels, rounded shoulders, short tang with attachment hole. 445 grams, 45.5 cm
Ex German collection, Cologne, formed 1980s-1990. The Kusmirek Collection, UK.
The metalworking techniques used in making bronze weapons in early Iran were very complex. Surfaces were often finished in repoussé work, and some of the weapons were chased, others engraved. The function of the ridges here was not only decorative, however, but principally to reduce suction and thus allow the blade to be withdrawn speedily. The ruling elites of warrior horsemen were buried in the graves with their weapons and horses which are the main sources of the Luristan and North-Western bronze weapons. -
North-West Persian Bronze Dagger Blade
Late 2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
With prominently curved guard extending out from the ricasso partly framing the hilt, thick midrib extending slightly above the ricasso. 464 grams, 52.2 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The hilt of such swords was made separately and unfortunately is nearly always missing from the archaeological records. Similar daggers had a northern Iranian background and excavated examples have been recorded from the South Caspian area from Tomadjan and Ghalekuti.
