Loading, please wait...
LOT 1494
Large Luristan Bronze Adze
BRONZE AGE, 2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
6 1/2 in. (462 grams, 16.5 cm).
Short tubular socket with raised ribs, perpendicular rectangular-section blade with convex cutting edge.
ProvenanceFrom a UK collection formed in the 1980s.
Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Calmeyer, P., Datierbare Bronzen aus Luristan und Kirmanshah II. Datierbare Gruppen (chronologisch geordnet), De Gruyter, 1969, fig.6, p.10, group 2, type A3 a, of the Calmeyer classification.
FootnotesUnadorned 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.
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:
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.
LOT 1494
Large Luristan Bronze Adze
Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£50 (EUR 58; USD 68) +BP*
-
Greek Lead Slingshot with Alpha
1st century B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Lenticular type with casting seam to the rim, raised iconic Greek letter A (alpha) on one side, and the other with raised pellets. 30.9 grams, 33 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Lead Slingshot of Quintus Sertorius
Circa 82-72 B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Lentoid in form with raised legend to reverse 'Q.SERT / PRO C'; casting seam and flange. 59.6 grams, 37 mm
Acquired on the UK art market, early 2000s. Property of a London, UK, antiquarian.
The inscription may refer to Quintus Sertorius, the Roman statesman and general (123-72 BC). In late 82 BC, Sertorius, linked to the party of populares of Gaius Marius, was proscribed by Sulla and forced from his province in Hispania. However, he soon returned in early 80 BC, representing himself as a Roman proconsul resisting the Sullan regime at Rome. Being Proconsul in this Hispania from 82 to 73 B.C., the slingshots of his army were bearing the inscription 'Q.SERT / PRO C' (Quintus Sertorius Proconsul). -
Bactrian Bronze Claw Axehead
3rd millennium B.C.Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £60
Egg-shaped with spiked prongs to the socket, narrow, rounded cutting edge. 165 grams, 11.9 cm
From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
The 'claw mace' was an enigmatic ancient bronze weapon from the Bronze Age Near East. The hollow bulbous head was trailed by tines of varying lengths. It is believed that it was affixed over a wooden shaft and used like a club in combat, and not necessarily used as a ceremonial weapon. The knife-edge bulb end could have broken bones and proven to be a formidable striking weapon requiring no skill to wield. The tines would have not only been decorative, but would have served to add strength below the striking end to prevent breakage. In battle, maces were often used by commanders to display rank when giving orders in battle and leading soldiers, inspiring leadership and power. Egg-shaped with spiked sleeves or prongs, the top of the weapon has a narrow edge, and the sleeves have small internal tangs for mounting.
