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LOT 1200
Luristan Bronze Macehead with Points and Fretwork
2600-2400 B.C.
5 3/4 in. (363 grams, 14.5 cm).
Cylindrical in shape, the upper section with alternating holes and vertical rows of three prominent spikes, short cylindrical shaft. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceCollected from 1979-1999.
From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.
See Godard, A., Les Bronzes du Luristan, Paris, 1931, pl.XIX, no.58, for the type; cf. Gernez, G., L’armament en métal au Proche et Moyen-Orient: des origines a 1750 av. J.C., Paris, 2007, fig.2.79, subtypes M 2.A.b, for the type.
FootnotesThis knopped mace head was probably made using the lost-wax method. It corresponds to the type M 2.A.b of the classification of Gernez: single-cylinder spiked maces. These elements are rare and quite diverse. They consist of a metal cylinder with rows of juxtaposed points. There are between 3 and 8 rows each, comprising 3 to 5 more or less pronounced spikes.
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Massive West Persian Bronze Spearhead
Circa 12th-10th century B.C.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £139
With heavily ridged and tapered blade, short collared shaft and tapered bent tang with round stud terminal. 674 grams, 52.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The weapon belongs to the type 1 of the Khorasani spearhead classification, mainly from Marlik or Amlash areas. Similar pieces have been dated by Stutzinger to 1200-1100 B.C., but the period of use is attested at least until the 1000 B.C. -
North-West Persian Bronze Dagger
Early 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
With long tapered blade, rounded shoulders and broad flattened mid-rib, tapered square sectioned tang pierced at the tip. 298 grams total, 29.2 cm high including stand
Dr. T.J. Arne, Sweden, 1934. Private collection, Sweden, late 1930s. with Stockholm Auktionsverk, Stockholm, Sweden, 9 June 2014, lot 2613.
This tanged bronze blade from Luristan belongs to a category of Luristan swords still in use in the Achaemenid Period, as proved from a blade with a perished handle (probably bone or wood) of the same type, in the National Museum of Iran (2694/15633). Examples without inscriptions like our model have been classified by Grotkamp-Schepers in the Solingen Museum as pieces from Luristan. -
European Savoyard Burgonet
Circa 1620 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
Comprising a full face shield with broad wavy bars and a small mouth opening, a wide hinged visor; the visor and the front section of the helmet secured by large hook-and-eye closures on the right-hand side; the crown with a tall ridge running from front to back, small collar for protecting the neck. 1.14 kg, 25 cm high
Acquired from Andrew Bennett in 2016. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by a copy of a payment confirmation from Andrew Bennett, dated 1st June 2016. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no. 11768-203986.
This variation of the burgonet helmet is thought to have originated in the Savoy region of southeast France, and was very popular with heavy cavalry (Reiters) serving with a variety of Continental armies of the period. The term Savoyard is a reference to a large number of these helmets that the Swiss captured from the troops of the Duke of Savoy during an unsuccessful assault on the city of Genoa in 1602. The undulated bars and the small mouth of the visor are all indicative of the Savoyard style. The hinges on the side allowed the front of the helmet as a whole to be lifted away from the rear, aiding the wearer to place it over his head.