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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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Comprising an ellipsoid collar and five radiating lobes with interstitial bands. 43.4 grams, 39 mm
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American Confederate States Civil War Belt Buckle
1861-1865 A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £208
Discoid body with raised rim and low-relief letters 'CS', wide D-section rectangular attachment slot and cook to the underside. 120 grams, 91 mm
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Greek Iron Lancehead
Magna Graecia, 6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Blade widened at the base, ribbed, conical socket with wooden remains. 277 grams total, 43 cm including stand (lance 25.8 cm)
From the famous arms and armour collection of Axel Guttmann (1944-2001), Berlin, Germany. Ex Hermann Historica, Munich, Germany, 4 May 2011, no.1783 (lot). From a private specialist collection, London, UK. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Hermann Historica catalogue pages.
The spear finds an almost identical parallel in two spearheads from Lavello, found associated with a Corinthian helmet and a sword, as part of Burial objects, dating back to around the middle of the 6th century BC. This type of hoplite weaponry was used by individual warriors, who, in Daunia (South Italic Apulia), while adopting Greek models, fought on horseback, according to a fighting style centred on the heroic duel between leaders.