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LOT 1110
Large Luristan Bronze Spearhead
1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
15 1/4 in. (442 grams, 38.7 cm).
Composed of a leaf-shaped blade with raised midrib to both faces, broad shaft to flange, tapering tang. [No Reserve]
ProvenancePrivate UK collection, 1980s.
Ex London gallery.
Cf. Christie's, The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, part 2, London, 2004, p.36, no.40; cf. Khorasani, M.M., Arms and Armour from Iran. The Bronze Age to the End of the Qajar Period, Tübingen, 2006, p.630, no.280.
FootnotesThe spearhead belongs to a typology of spears widespread in the Marlik region, which Negahban divided into two categories. This spearhead belongs to type I, spearheads with long blades, broad midrib, rectangular sectioned tang and reinforced shaft opening to reveal the tang and rounded shoulders.
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
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Roman Marble Ballista Catapult Shot
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Suitable for use with an onager or other catapult-type siege weapon; with smooth surface. 1.4 kg, 10 cm
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.
The operation of the onager (Latin for 'wild ass') is first mentioned in 353 A.D. by Ammianus Marcellinus in his Res Gestae and more fully in Vegetius's Epitoma Rei Militaris probably written in the reign of Emperor Theodosius I (378-395 A.D.). -
Western Asiatic Bronze Dagger
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Single-edged, curved with scooped shoulder and flat tang. 78 grams, 31 cm
Ex German collection, Cologne, 1980-1990s.
In the middle of the 2nd millennium B.C., combat knives were widely used in Palestine and Syria. Some of them reproduced in local forms and constructions of the beginning of the 2nd millennium B.C., others had a concave blade with a humpbacked back or S-shaped blades which, apparently, should be associated with influences from Asia Minor influence. -
Neo-Assyrian Bronze Military Helmet
8th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £16,900
With lateral seams, attachment holes to lower edge, bowl with tall conical peak; mounted on a custom-made stand. 3.5 kg total, 55.5 cm high including stand
Acquired on the UK art market. From a private collection, 1980s. Ex central London gallery. The Kusmirek Collection, 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.11765-203977.
From the reign of King Tiglatpilesar III (744-727 B.C.) or possibly later. The army of the Neo-Assyrian Empire consisted of large units of cavalry and skilled archers. Mobile workshops and smiths produced vast quantities of arrows and spears that were required while on campaign. The royal palaces of Nineveh, Ashur, and Nimrud were adorned with reliefs depicting Neo-Assyrian troops including foot soldiers in similar pointed bronze helmets. The helmet was originally bimetallic, made of bronze and iron. Although the iron section is now preserved only in fragments, having deteriorated long ago; the bronze half remains.
