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LOT 0328
Large Levantine Crescentic 'Anchor' Axehead
MIDDLE BRONZE AGE, LATE 3RD-EARLY 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
4 3/8 in. (557 grams, 11.1 cm).
An anchor-shaped semi-circular blade, semi-elliptical in section, narrow socket with a long extension to the rear.
ProvenancePreviously in a London, UK, collection, 1970s.
Ex Rabi Gallery 1991.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
For a similar example see no.509, p.385, in Muscarell, Bronze and Iron: Ancient Near Eastern Artefacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art; also cf. Gernez, G., L’armament en métal au Proche et Moyen-Orient: des origines a 1750 av. J.C., Paris, 2007, fig.2.47, type H5, for the type; and an almost example in Christie's New York, 5 December 2012, no.174 ($8,000-$12,000).
FootnotesThe ‘anchor’ axes belonged to a homogeneous type of axe, similar to the fenestrated axes, but displaying a different hafting method. The handle was inserted into a short cylindrical collar except at the back, where it extended to a width roughly equivalent to that of the blade. The two ends of the blade widened to form a concave face resting against the handle, thus ensuring a firm support. The edges of the fenestrelles were prominent and sometimes have decoration. At the back of the collar, there was always a spherical or flattened knob. The function of this knob can only be conjectured: it seems too small to serve as a counterweight, hence it was probably an element used to wind the handle's attachment cord.
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Scythian Bronze 'Kuban' Type Helmet
7th-6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £18,200
Raised from a single sheet with rounded skull and semi-circular cut-outs for the eyes with raised rims, raised bar to the front extending to the top with a loop; ten circular perforations to the lower edge; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 1.47 kg, 23.5 cm wide
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12616-235608. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
This war helmet, typical of the Caucasian Scythians, belongs to the so-called Kuban type according to B. Z. Rabinovich, named after the north Caucasian region where the majority of this type of helmets were found. The helmet is almost identical to the helmet found in the 6th century barrow at Kelermes (Stanitsa Kelermeskaya), and in fact many of such helmets have been found in the Northern Caucasus. The helmets were typical of the noblemen fighting on horseback with spear, javelins and especially with bow and arrows. -
Viking Age Iron Bearded Axehead
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
With gently curving blade, long neck with a spur, round socket with vertical flanges. 331 grams, 14 cm
From a North American collection formed in the 1970s-1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Luristan Bronze Dagger
13th-6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Double-edged triangular blade, integral hilt with lateral flanges with remains of bone handle. 196 grams, 31 cm
From the estate of a deceased gentleman, Surrey, UK, 1980s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The dirk belongs to the type III in the Medvedskaya classification, used in Near East from the 13th to the 6th century B.C. The type is the 32a of the Maxwell-Hyslop study.