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LOT 1417
Large Western Asiatic Bronze Socketted Axehead
3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
7 1/2 in. (1.34 kg, 19 cm).
With wide swept blade, large socket with shallow raised circumferential rib, hammer to the rear.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
Cf. Gernez, G., L’armament en métal au Proche et Moyen-Orient: des origines a 1750 av. J.C., Paris, 2007, fig.2.70, subtype H-MRT 2.C.
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:
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LOT 1417
Large Western Asiatic Bronze Socketted Axehead
Estimate £150 - 200€170 - 230 (for guidance only)$200 - 270 (for guidance only)
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Mongol Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
12th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Piriform body with domed filler-hole, the surface divided by four long grooves united at the bottom, and pattern like scales; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 474 grams, 14.3 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.
This piece was a sort of ceramic fire grenade, similar to the ones used by the Eastern Romans but of Turco-Mongol type. Apart from the use of manual flame-throwers, special corps of soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations, even in Burma. -
Luristan Spear Tip Group
13th-6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Comprising four tips with triangular blades; each with a raised midrib and a long tang. 143 grams total, 13.5-18.2 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
Although some of them are different in shape, these arrowheads are apparently related types of a polythetic group. Two basic deltoid forms are represented: one has a sharp, flat blade, the ends of which extend to form wings or barbs, and a prominent midrib extending into a long tang that often has a stop; the blade shape varies from deltoid to more manifestly triangular. The other form has no barbs, but it has a prominent midrib extending to the tang, and a narrow leaf-shaped blade. -
Luristan Bronze Socketted Spearhead
13th-6th century B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
With broad leaf-shaped blade and tapering tubular socket. 155 grams, 24 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The spear belongs to the type VIII classified by Khorasani (spearheads with well-projecting midribs and long folded sockets) and more specifically to subtype C (with leaf-shaped blade and short hollow socket). Usually the willow-leaf blade has an almost straight shoulder base and a wide, flat midrib tapering towards the point.
