Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1489
Greek Bronze Arrowhead Collection
CIRCA 5TH-3RD CENTURY B.C.
1 1/4 - 1 1/2 in. (25 grams total, 33-38 mm).
Comprising four socketted arrowheads, mainly triangular or foliate in section, trilobate and with short socket, one with holes for the application of incendiary material; two with barbs. [4, No Reserve]
Provenance
UK private collection before 2000.
Acquired on the UK art market.
Property of a London gentleman.
Literature
Cf. Furtwängler, A., Olympia. Die Ergebnisse der von dem Deutschen Reich veranstalteten Ausgrabung, Band 4. 2 Bände (Textband, Tafelband), Berlin, 1890, pl.LXIV, nos.1076, 1079, 1082, 1083, 1086, 1090; Sekunda, N., Marathon 490 BC, The first Persian invasion of Greece, Oxford, 2002, p.60.
Footnotes
In Greek warfare archery was mainly employed by Scythians and Cretans for longer-ranks. Both used composite bows made of wood, horn, bone and sinew.
CONDITIONVETTING:
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.
RELATED LOTS
-
.jpg)
Luristan Spear Tip Group
13th-6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Comprising four tips with triangular blades; each with a raised midrib and a long tang. 143 grams total, 13.5-18.2 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
Although some of them are different in shape, these arrowheads are apparently related types of a polythetic group. Two basic deltoid forms are represented: one has a sharp, flat blade, the ends of which extend to form wings or barbs, and a prominent midrib extending into a long tang that often has a stop; the blade shape varies from deltoid to more manifestly triangular. The other form has no barbs, but it has a prominent midrib extending to the tang, and a narrow leaf-shaped blade. -
Mesopotamian Bronze Arrowhead Collection
Circa 1800-900 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
Including leaf-shaped, barbed, and other small types. 330 grams total, 44-90 mm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.
Paddle-shaped arrowheads with a flat, comparatively wide mid-rib and the blade shaped to a point were typical of Old Babylonian Empire. The shoulders were pronounced and the arrowhead had a rectangular section tapering tang. -
Viking Period Iron Broad Baltic Axe-Hammer
Circa 12th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £494
Comprising a flat socket with lateral spurs, slender neck developing to a broad blade with curved edge, chin to the lower edge and point to the upper, rear square-section shank with disc hammer-face. 349 grams, 18.5 cm
Private collection, Arundel, West Sussex, UK, 1975-late 1990s.
During the mid 13th century, the axes were favourite weapons among the Baltic people. For example, the Curonian army included lightly armed soldiers who fought with spears, shields, fighting knives and axes. A heavily armed soldier could also carry a sword, a helmet, a shield and a wide-bladed axe.
