Luristan Bronze Arrowhead Collection

With long tubular shank and four hefty bulbs surrounding the shaft. 456 grams, 22.5 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. Accompanied by an earlier catalogue identification card.

This rare and unusual mace finds parallels with similar pieces published by Slotta, Vatandust, and Moorey. The dating varies between 21st and 14th century B.C. Western Iranian maces, especially the Luristan ones, were notable for the variety of different forms. According to Dr D. Nicolle the gorz or mace was primarily used as an armour breaking weapon since ancient times, and was very common on the Iranian plateau.

With lateral curved plates and scrolled bar to the front, rear panel with hooked spur for attachment. 617 grams, 21 cm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Hipposandals (soleae ferreae) were used on horses with injured hooves, a sort of equine orthopaedic shoe used by the mulomedicus, i.e. a Roman military veterinarian. Another important function was that to protect the hooves of the horse from injuries and damages from hard objects. The hipposandal of type 1 was formed from a sub-oval plate which tapered towards the front and rear with projections at the front, back and on either side. The heel was upturned at about 45 degrees and flared outwards. It would have terminated with a downward facing hook, now missing. The base of the sole was flat.

With square butt, scooped underside and a flared blade. 1.04 kg, 16 cm



Acquired on the UK market before 1992. Ex property of a North London gentleman.