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LOT 1478
Luristan Bronze Dirk
2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
17 1/8 in. (355 grams, 43.5 cm).
Blade with single median rib, crescent-shaped pommel, ridged grip and pseudo-penannular guard embossed over the junction between the hilt and the blade.
ProvenanceEx Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
LiteratureCf. Mahboubian, H., Art of the Ancient Iran, London, 1997, no.385a, for similar.
FootnotesThese dirks were integrally cast. Moorey, Gordon and Khorasani created a classification of bladed weapons, according to which daggers are edged weapons no 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.
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Luristan Bronze Dirk
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Blade with single median rib, crescent-shaped pommel, ridged grip and pseudo-penannular guard embossed over the junction between the hilt and the blade. 355 grams, 43.5 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
These dirks were integrally cast. Moorey, Gordon and Khorasani created a classification of bladed weapons, according to which daggers are edged weapons no 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. -
Luristan Decorated Bronze Macehead
900-800 B.C.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
With a slender, scooped blade, a round socket with a ribbed outer flange; three lobed extensions to the rear of the socket with low-relief decorative bands and zigzags, collar to mouth. 360 grams, 10.4 cm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. -
Luristan Bronze Spearhead
Early 2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Foliate blade with a central rib and slender shoulders, short rectangular shaft and tang with a bent finial. 643 grams, 42.2 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
A number of similar blades, some considered to be spearheads and others to be daggers, all with a bent tang, derived from Tepe Hissar Culture III. Some of them, like our specimen, have a button terminal, and some others have a plain, pointed terminal. The general dating of these specimens is fixed to the early 2nd millennium B.C.
