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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.
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Byzantine Iron Anti-Cavalry Caltrop Trivoloi Group
11th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Comprising three caltrops, hand-forged with square-section in the form of four welded arrowheads. 34 grams total, 50 mm each
Acquired on the German art market around 2000. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Caltrops were a kind of 'landmine' of the ancient world an mentioned in the Classical period. Nevertheless, they turned into real military weapons only in Dark Ages. Their systematic and wide use by the Eastern Romans, who called it tribolos, is noticeable. In 1082, Emperor Alexios Komnenos used caltrops against the Norman cavalry in the Balkans. Anna Komnena tells us in detail of her father’s intentions: ‘He marched against Bohemond with a new idea for victory. He had iron caltrops made and since he expected the battle to take place on the next day, the evening before scattered them over the plain between the two armies at the point where he guessed that the Kelts (the Normans) would make a heavy cavalry attack. The plan was to frustrate the first and irresistible charge when the caltrops pierced the horses’ hooves.’ Unfortunately for the Romans the Normans avoided battle on the ‘minefield’, outflanked the enemy and gained victory. -
Roman Provincial Iron Spur Group
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
With central barbed spike positioned under the pierced central hole, fitted on both sides with arms having circular shaped eyelet-like protuberances. 29.6 grams total, 54-62 mm
Acquired on the German art market around 2000. From the collection of a South African gentleman.
The prick spur was the first type of spur to be invented, and it consists of a goad or prick, more or less pointed, connected to side arms or a heel plate. They went around the rider’s heel and had a straight post on the back that was used to cue the horse. Often this was sharp, obviously intended to prick the horse, The type here represented seems to be a provincial variant of Roman Imperial prick spur fitted with three eyelets. -
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.
