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LOT 1456
Luristan Bronze Dagger Blade
CIRCA 1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
15 1/4 in. (420 grams total, blade: 39 cm long).
Comprising a slender blade with a raised midrib extending towards the short tang, broad rounded shoulders; mounted on a custom-made stand. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of H. Norry, 1980s-1990s.
LiteratureCf. Christie's, The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, part 2, London, 2004, item 40, p.36.
FootnotesThe Luri people produced a quantity of fine metalwork, which according to Dr. Khorasani, could be due to a settled period which arose as a result of the defeat of the Elamites by the Babylonians, leaving the Luristani people in relative peace for a period of time after 1200 B.C. According to Khorasani 'A culture of innovation and experimentation flourished, and the repertoire of the Luristan smiths expanded in the period between 1150–1050 BC.'
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Old Babylonian Bronze Duckbilled Axehead
Early 2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
With a curved, beak-shaped blade and two pierced eyes flanking a raised median ridge ellipsoid-section socket; repaired. 147 grams, 10.5 cm
From the private collection of Kenneth Machin (1936-2020), Buckinghamshire, UK; with collection no.BA27; his collection of antiquities and natural history was formed since 1948; thence by descent.
This axe corresponds to the type H4B of the Gernez classification. Several of these models, with their moulds, are known from the Levant, like those in Byblos, Ras Shamra, and Tell Arqa. On the other hand, a workshop level II of the Kültepe karum delivered two moulds, showing a local production of arms intended either for export or for the inhabitants originating from Mesopotamia or the Levant. This sub-type of eye-axes is characteristic of the Middle Bronze Age 1 (2050-1750 B.C.). -
Viking Age High Tinned Bronze Horse Harness Rein Mount Group
Khazar, 9th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £624
Mainly heater-shaped and crescentic plaque mounts with comma and pellet ornament, lateral lugs, mounting pins to reverse. 66 grams total, 17-18 mm
Acquired on the European art market since the early 2000s. From the private Northern Ireland collection of R.M. -
Luristan Bronze Spearhead
Early 2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Having foliate blade with central rib and slender shoulders, short rectangular shaft and tang with a bent end. 412 grams, 42.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
A number of similar blades, some considered to be spearheads and others to be daggers, all with bent tang, derived from Tepe Hissar Culture III. Some of them, like our specimen, have a button terminal, some others have a plain, pointed terminal. The general dating of these specimens is fixed to the early 2nd millennium B.C.