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LOT 1379
Iron Age Celtic Iron Axe and Spearhead Displays
CIRCA 2ND CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
4 3/8 - 8 7/8 in. (791 grams total, 11.2-22.5 cm).
Comprising a spearhead with leaf-shaped blade and raised triangular mid-rib, short tapering open socket with inside wood remains, and a forged axe with folded rectangular-section open socket and flared crescent-edge blade. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
LiteratureCf. Allen, S., Celtic Warrior 300 BC-AD 100, Oxford, 2001, p.51, and plates A and E, for similar specimens.
FootnotesThe Celtic warrior used a light javelin to throw and a heavier thrusting spear at close quarters. An iron spearhead of identical shape but with bronze decoration was recovered from the Thames and dated to the late Iron Age.
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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Western Asiatic Decorated Bronze Pectoral Collar
12th-14th century A.D.Estimate: £5,000 - 7,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,500
Broad sheet-bronze halter-shaped collar with dentilled outer edge, in two offset overlapped layers; bands of repoussé domed pellets to the outer and inner edges, rectangular cells to accept glass or organic inserts, two clusters of circular cells surrounding rectangular ones; the surface with dense hatching and reserved tendril and leaf motifs; attachment loops to reverse. 638 grams, 34.5 cm
German art market. European private collection, 1970s-early 2000s. Acquired from the above; thence by descent. Private collection, London. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12282-221445. -
Luristan Bronze Spike-Butted Axehead
11th-8th century B.C.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
Blade with folded upper and lower edge, cylindrical socket with projecting ribs formed as the necks and heads of birds, blace 'projecting' from the mouth of a roaring lion at the neck. 478 grams, 22.5 cm
Ex Parisian private collection. with Cuvreau Expertises Enchères S.A., sale 60, 21 June 2009, lot 105. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11876-206787. -
Luristan Bronze Arrowhead Collection
14th-10th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Two with a sturdy square-section tang, narrow barbed head with midrib; the others with triangular or foliate blades; each with a raised midrib and a short tang. 212 grams total, 10.1-16.2 cm
Ex London collection, formed 1990-2000.
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.
