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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:
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German Iron Stirrup Pair
16th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £111
Featuring twisted bar open treads, arched side pieces grooved and connected by a strap bar. 780 grams total, 16.5 cm each
Acquired from Czerny's Auctions, Italy, 2016, lot 313. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by a copy of Czerny's invoice and lot details. -
Mexican Iron Rowel Spur
18th-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Heelband with geometric motifs, channelling and lozengiform terminals, pierced work neck and large free-running rowel. 252 grams, 22 cm
Acquired from Rusty Old Arms, UK, 2014. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by copies of the ROA invoice and listing. -
Luristan Arrowhead Group
13th-9th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Comprising four tanged arrowheads, having large elongated triangular blades and raised midrib, sharp central groove, rectangular section stem with handle for the shaft, barbed shoulders and convex or squared sides. 161 grams total, 13-17 cm
From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1969-1999; thence by descent.
These arrowheads seem to belong to the type V, subcategory types A and C according to the classification of Khorasani and Negahban. In the four categories of triangular bronze arrowheads from Luristan, Marlik and Northern Iran individuated by Negahban, subtypes A and C of type V are larger arrow heads with barbed shoulders and triangular heads. These types of arrowheads were commonly used in Anatolia and Mesopotamia from the 2nd millennium B.C., but apparently their employment began earlier in this area, where types like these occur alongside the non-barbed, predominantly ribbed and tanged types.
