Luristan Bronze Arrowhead Point Group

Mainly comprising socketted axeheads and adzes, together with other items; including at least one stamped with maker's marks. 9.5 kg total, 14.5-28.5 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

An axe similar to those of our group was found in the fortified camp of Péran, in Brittany, among the objects that emerged from a conflagration due to the attack of Alain Barbetorte's Bretons on a Viking camp, in 936 A.D. These axes were certainly work tools, although in case of necessity they could also serve as improvised weapons.

Comprising: a Roman ballista bolt with a pyramidal head; a 15th century iron swallowtail arrowhead; three iron medieval crossbow bolts, with pyramidal point, square-section shaft, tubular socket; two medieval ballista bolts with pyramidal point, square-section shaft, tubular socket; two triangular-shaped arrowheads, with pyramidal head; a triangular Eastern Roman bladed arrowhead with a slightly raised mid-rib; a small Anglo-Saxon arrowhead with lozenge form blade and round socket; all mounted on reconstructed modern shafts with their feathered directional lugs, and presented in a wooden display box. 3.83 kg total, 104 x 22 x 9.5 cm including case



From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

Crossbow and bows were the protagonist of the 100 Years War between France and England. The crossbow, a bow fixed at its centre to a wooden stock, was a formidable weapon used by the Genoese crossbowmen, mainly in French service; its heavy bolt could easily penetrate a shield or armour breast plate at close range. The longbow, mainly used by the Welsh archers, was able to pierce armours at greater distance. During the reign of Edward III, the long bow distance was estimated to be 400 yards. The capability of the English and Welsh archers enabled the English to secure a victory over the powerful French Cavalry at the battles of Crecy, Poitiers and Agincourt.

With lentoid-section blade, tongue-shaped in plan, with integral tapering hilt with flared finial, lateral flanges to accept a panel of bone to each face forming the grip. 195 grams, 33.5 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

The art of Luristan can be described as the art of nomadic herdsmen and horsemen with an emphasis on the crafting of small, easily portable objects, among these a great number of bronze weapons. The rich and noble aristocrats of the Luristan, Elamites, Hurrians, Lullubians, Kutians, and Kassites, went to battle splendidly equipped and wore magnificent bronze armour, using maces, spears and daggers as offensive weapons, alongside spears, bows and arrows.