Indo-Persian Iron Dagger with Gilded Hilt

Comprising a long single-edged blade with corrugated spine, gently curved towards the shallow point; bronze sleeve to the grip with swept quillon and knuckle-guard, lug finial pieced to accept a sword-knot; ribbed wooden grip with leather covering; heavy usage wear. 666 grams, 81 cm



Acquired in 2008. Property of a Kent, UK, private collector.

Modelled on the sabres of the infantry officers of the Jeune Garde Imperiale.

Blade widened at the base, ribbed, conical socket with wooden remains. 277 grams total, 43 cm including stand (lance 25.8 cm)



From the famous arms and armour collection of Axel Guttmann (1944-2001), Berlin, Germany. Ex Hermann Historica, Munich, Germany, 4 May 2011, no.1783 (lot). From a private specialist collection, London, UK. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Hermann Historica catalogue pages.

The spear finds an almost identical parallel in two spearheads from Lavello, found associated with a Corinthian helmet and a sword, as part of Burial objects, dating back to around the middle of the 6th century BC. This type of hoplite weaponry was used by individual warriors, who, in Daunia (South Italic Apulia), while adopting Greek models, fought on horseback, according to a fighting style centred on the heroic duel between leaders.

With a short socketted shaft, the plain rectangular blade broadening towards the cutting edge; side holes on the shaft. 446 grams, 11.4 cm



Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.

Unadorned weapons, especially axes, adzes, and picks, were made by Luristan craftsmen using simple clay or stone bivalve moulds, into which a core was inserted to form the socket for the shaft. Typically, the metallic composition consisted of a combination of arsenical bronze and copper, together with a small percentage of lead.