Loading, please wait...
LOT 1503
Luristan Bronze Axehead
12TH-11TH CENTURY B.C.
8 5/8 in. (390 grams, 22 cm).
A spike-butted axehead with a short cylindrical socket with four furrowed ribs leading to four short spikes, blade with curved upper and lower edges and a convex cutting edge.
ProvenanceEx Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
LiteratureCf. Moorey, P.R.S., Catalogue of the ancient Persian Bronzes in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, 1971, pl.2, nos.14-16, items 51-52; cf. also Musee' Cernuschi, Bronzes de Luristan, enigmes de l'Iran Ancien, IIIe-Ier millenaire av. J.C., Paris, 2008, p.44, fig.1,3; p.97, no.45, for similar types.
FootnotesIt is difficult to know whether this type of axe, given its high decoration in some specimens, was used as a weapon or was a symbol of rank and prestige, employed for ceremonial or cult purposes. However, considering that the concept of parade weapons did not exist in the surrounding areas in antiquity, these axes were most probably used for both military and ceremonial purposes.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Western Asiatic Polished Stone Macehead
3rd-2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
With a globular body and a short cylindrical socket. 335 grams, 78 mm
From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman, 1990s. -
Medieval Iron Hand-and-Half Sword
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
Longsword of Oakeshott's Type XVIIIa or b, comprising: two-edged, slender lenticular-section piled blade with taper overall to a narrow point; quillons square in section with taper and slight droop to ends; flat-section tang tapering to the upper end; pommel of Oakshott's Type I1 with scooped border to each face, central panel. 873 grams, 99.5 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13302-257654.
Examples of this category of swords show almost every kind of hilt used during the 15th century, from the classic forms of the 13th century to all the new varieties of pommel and cross which developed after 1400. Because the previous types of swords were practically useless against the fully armoured man-at-arms, Western European warfare needed a sword able to pierce the weak points of the protective equipment, a circumstance that led to the creation of types XV, XVI and XVII that found their quintessence in the type XVIII. The subtypes XVIIIa and XVIIIb had longer blades, and especially the type XVIIIb was a very long-gripped bastard sword. -
Large Western Asiatic Bronze Dagger
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Slender blade with a wide midrib and a short rectangular-section tang. 267 grams, 34.7 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1990s.
