Loading, please wait...
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.
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.
-
Luristan Bronze Dagger Group
Early 1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Comprising three dagger blades, one triangular with three fastening rivets on the ricasso, one with long tapered blade, rounded shoulders and long narrow tang, the third with a slender blade. 264 grams total, 20-29 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.
Moorey, Gordon and Khorasani created a classification of bladed weapons, according to which daggers are edged weapons not greater than 36cm in length, dirks (short swords) are between 36cm and 50cm in length, and swords are edged weapons greater than 50cm in length. -
Massive Amlash Bronze Spearhead Blade
13th-12th century B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
With large ovate blade, broad midrib, rounded shoulders and rectangular-section tang with bent tip ending with a button. 370 grams, 42.5 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.
The massive spearhead belongs to type 1 of the Khorasani classification. Similar excavated examples from Marlik attest the use of such spearheads with bent tang in the area, and Stutzinger dated such weapons to 1200-1100 B.C. The type was the evolution of a typology which began much earlier in Mesopotamia and the fertile crescent, the type 4 of the Stronach classification, with straight square-section tang, usually thickened at the base with a button tang. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Blade Group
25th-11th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Comprising two bronze spearheads with a short tang and flat midrib, a dagger pointed blade with short tang and two rivets in the shoulders which slope to a narrow tang. 207 grams total, 18-26 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.
The spearheads belongs to type 2 of spearhead according to the classification of Khorasani. A similar specimen was excavated by Negahban in Marlik. The dagger blade belongs to the type 5 of Maxwell-Hyslop classification, with pointed blade, straight sides and curved section.
