Luristan Bronze Arrowhead

Triangular profile with projecting midribs, round shank with raised collar above the square-section tapered tang. 186 grams, 28.5 cm



Ex German collection, Cologne, 1980-1990s.

This variant of the tripartite spear is characterised by a rhomboidal or swollen section blade, often with a short intermediate part widened so as to form a clean stop and with a curved tang, sometimes ending in a button (here unfortunately missing). Most spears have medium dimensions (23 cm to 36 cm), but others are elongated (more than 50 cm).

Of Naue II Type, with broad flattened midrib to both faces of the iron blade, the blade gently broadening below the tip, serrated edges at the base, flanged rivetted guard and hilt for the insertion of the organic handle and rhomboid-section grip. 245 grams, 43.5 cm



Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

The Naue II, also known as the grip-tongue sword, was one of the longest lasting of all sword types. First appearing in the late Bronze Age it lasted well into the Iron Age, a span of 500-700 years, and it was made both in bronze and iron. As early as 1450 B.C., in northern Italy, smiths came up with an early type of a sword now known as the Naue II. It spread first into central Europe, Scandinavia and the British Isles. By 1200 B.C. it had spread to Greece, Crete, the Aegean Islands, the Levant, Palestine and Egypt. It was quite popular in Greece and the Aegean, but it is in Central Europe that the greatest number has been found. In all these areas it was the standard sword until the 7th century B.C. with iron replacing bronze, but still the same basic design.

Comprising curved and flat plates, some incorporating shaped regions, raised borders and seized ring loops. 450 grams total, 7.2-19.5 cm



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