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LOT 1649
Luristan Bronze Blade
8TH CENTURY B.C.
17 1/4 in. (167 grams, 44 cm).
Pointed blade with shallow midrib increasing in width near the ricasso, cast in one with the hilt, square shoulders, circular hilt with horizontal grooves, pommel with facing horses heads.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
See Maxwell-Hyslop, R., 'Daggers and swords in Western Asia: a Study from Prehistoric Times to 600BC,' in Iraq, Volume 8, 1946, pp.1-65, pl.V, type 45, for typology.
FootnotesThe skill of the Iranian metalworkers of this period is reflected in the numerous ornate pommels in bronze and iron found on weapons from Luristan and Iron Age Talish graves, which show close connections with the Lelvar culture of Southern Caucasus.
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AUCTIONS:
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Medieval Bronze Dagger Quillon
Circa 15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Comprising flaring arms with engraved X-motif to each finial, large kidney-shaped loop to the side. 56.7 grams, 77 mm
From the collection of a Norfolk, UK, gentleman. Property of a private collector, West London, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Roman Julius Caesar 'Battle of Munda' Lead Slingshot
45 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
A biconical facetted lentoid-section lead sling shot (glans), inscription monogram a combination of letters 'C', 'A' and 'E', for 'C A E S' referring to Julius Caesar. 56.8 grams, 45 mm
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a gentleman collector. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 4th May 2022 and titled 'Roman Res Publica - Lead Slingshots (glandes) of Caesarian Age - 45 B.C circa'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The shot (type IIb of the Völling classification) is marked with the abbreviated name of Julius Caesar; it was used in quantity at the Battle of Monda (or Munda) against the last followers of Pompey, the leaders of the Optimates, on the 17th March 45 BC. Similar shots were used in Caesar's wars, and slingers of Caesar's age were part of the light infantry. Caesar speaks of his Balearic slingers during the conquest of Gaul. They wore a short tunic, with leather or rope sandals to the feet, and a warm overcoat which could also have been used to store projectiles. They also used a satchel to carry very deadly lead-like stones or bullets. -
Luristan Bronze Spearhead
Late 2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With ovate blade, central round rib and curved shoulders, the cylindrical long shaft widening towards the end, encasing a rectangular tang with bent tip. 351 grams, 44 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Similar spearheads were excavated in Marlik. Negahban stated that based upon the evidence on archaeological finds from West-North Iran, this type of spearhead may be dated to the final centuries of 2nd millennium B.C.
