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LOT 1161
Large Viking Iron Socketted Spearhead
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
17 1/8 in. (1.76 kg total, 43.5 cm including stand).
Comprising a leaf-shaped blade with lozenge cross-section, raised midrib, closed tubular socket; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1971-1972.
From the collection of the vendor's father.
Property of a London, UK, collector.
Cf. similar specimen in the British Museum, London, from Norway, inventory no.1875,0716.3.
FootnotesThe spear belongs to the type A of the first main group of Viking spears, the so-called Frankish spearheads, which occur between 750 and 950 A.D., but mainly in the 8th and 9th centuries. The Mediterranean influence is still evident on the foliate shape of the blade.
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Luristan Bronze Dagger
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Narrow triangular casting with gentle midrib and narrow point, scooped shoulders, long flat-section tang with lobe finial. 129 grams, 36 cm
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The type of the present dirk or dagger corresponds to type IX of Medvedskaya classification. The type consists of a bronze blade with organic handle, possibly made of bone or wood, and a long tang, which was usually bent at the extremity. According to Moorey, the exact dating of these pieces is uncertain. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Long Sword
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Composed of a tanged and barbed blade with raised midrib to both faces, extending the full-length of the weapon. 470 grams, 57 cm
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In the last ninety years many such tanged blades have been considered coming from centres of production of North-West Iran, like Amlash and Marlik. Without context an accurate dating is impossible, but the shape recalls the rapiers of Bronze Age or Early Iron Age. -
Luristan Bronze Sword with 'Ear' Pommel
10th-9th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £585
Comprising a long tapering blade, rectangular-section hilt with raised circular bosses, horned crescent-shaped guard curved to accept the blade and a large bifurcated pommel formed as two ear-lobes with ribbed joining shank. 1.17 kg, 66 cm
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This kind of sword was entirely made of cast bronze. They were characterised by an 'ear' pommel and raised mid-rib on the blade, square shoulders and rectangular, open guard. The handle was cast on the blade. The square and solid sectioned handle has bossed with reinforcements which allow a better grip.
