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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.
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AUCTIONS:
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Luristan Bronze Dagger
Early 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Large triangular blade with raised midrib and a short, tapering tang. 241 grams, 34.4 cm
Ex Abelita collection, 1990s. -
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Viking Age Iron Bearded Axehead
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £254
Broad blade with thickened edge, rounded socket with lateral triangular extensions. 269 grams, 13.5 cm
Ex North American collection, 1970s. -
Roman Lead Cnaeus Pompey Battle of Munda Slingshot
Circa 46 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Facetted lentoid-section sling shot (glans) with inscription in Latin letters 'CN' (Cneius) 'MAG' (Magnus) on one side, and 'IMP' for 'IMPERATOR' (victorious general) to the other side, i.e., Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus Imperator (Pompey the Great the victorious general). 71.2 grams, 51 mm
Previously from a private Spanish collection. Ex London, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by a copy of a Spanish export licence.
The shot (Völling type 1C) is marked with the abbreviated name of Gnaeus Pompey; it was used in quantity at the Battle of Monda (or Munda) against Julius Caesar, 17th March 45 BC. The projectiles could be of different material: in lead (glandes) or in pottery or stone (lapides missiles). Sometimes they were signed with the name of the general, as is our specimen.
