Loading, please wait...
LOT 1031
Luristan Bronze Dirk
10TH CENTURY B.C.
17 1/8 in. (474 grams, 43.5 cm).
With triangular blade and flat mid-rib, flanged hilt for the insert of a wood or bone inlay, hilt with expanded guard and crescent-shaped pommel.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
Khorasani, M.M., Arms and Armour from Iran. The Bronze Age to the End of the Qajar Period, Tübingen, 2006, item 8.
FootnotesThis type of dirk belongs to the type III of Medvedskaya classification and is very common among daggers and dirks attributed to Luristan. The same scholar suggests that the dating for the whole series of type III daggers is an inscription on a type III dirk with the name of Marduk Nadin Ahhe (1100-1083 B.C.).
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.
-
Medieval Iron Socketted Javelin
Circa 15th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
With square-section spike and tapering socket. 249 grams, 32 cm
Ex California, USA, collection formed since the late 1960s. European art market before the late 1990s. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead Group
13th-6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Comprising four large triangular-shaped arrowheads, each with a raised midrib. 129 grams total, 14-15.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
Although different in shape, these four heads are apparently related types of a polythetic group. There are represented two basic deltoid forms: one has a sharp, flat blade, the ends of which extend to form wings or barbs, and a prominent midrib extending into a long tang that often has a stop; the blade shape varies from deltoid to more manifestly triangular. The other form has no barbs, but it has a prominent midrib extending to the tang, it is narrow and leaf shaped. -
Avar-Byzantine Silver-Gilt Sword Belt Mount Group
7th-9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Comprising three belt mounts later remounted onto brown leather comprising: a rectangular strap end with rounded terminal, decorated with granulated borders, lozenges and chevrons; two roughly D-shaped mounts with apex flourish and waisted sides, also decorated with granulated lozenges and chevrons. 26.5 grams, 12.2 cm long
Fine condition.
Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Ex an important central London gallery, London W1.
This type of belt element, decorated with granulation, is present in the Avar graves of the second half of the 7th century, and was most likely produced in the workshops of the Eastern Roman Empire, from where they reached the Avar lands as imperial gifts (tomb of Kunbàboni) or spoils of war. They were part of multiple belts, to which sabres and knives were attached, commonly used among Avars, Bulgars and Romans during the 7th and 8th centuries A.D.