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LOT 1161
Luristan Bronze Short Sword
CIRCA 1000 B.C.
17 3/8 in. (383 grams, 44 cm long).
The blade with a tapering profile, triangular in overall form, with square shoulders, penannular guard with strong midrib, flanged hilt with crenellated grip, widening slightly into a fan-shaped pommel; tip repaired.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
Cf. similar sword in Khorasani, M.M., Arms and Armour of Iran, Germany, 2006, cat.12, for similar example in the National Museum of Iran in Tehran.
FootnotesThese types of short sword or dirks were usually cast in one piece, and the penannular rib in relief was cast on at the same time with the handle of the blade. In some cases, however, the penannular rib was later cast on the dagger, possibly to strengthen a weak point at the junction of hilt and blade. The flanged hilt was originally filled with organic material like bone.
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:
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LOT 1161
Luristan Bronze Short Sword
Estimate £400 - 600€460 - 700 (for guidance only)$540 - 810 (for guidance only)
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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. -
Victorian 1845 Pattern Officer's Sword by Buckmaster
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Composed of a slightly curved and fullered blade with crowned VR monograms, royal arms and maker's name and London address; with half-basket pierced brass guard and hilt bearing openwork crowned VR monogram; ray skin hilt with wire binding, 733 grams, 97 cm
Acquired from ROA Antique Arms, UK. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the ROA purchase invoice and listing. -
Marlik Bronze Arrowhead Group
12th-10th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Comprising four tanged arrowheads, with large bronze elongated triangular blades and raised midrib, sharp central groove, cylindrical stem with handle for the shaft; three with barbed shoulders and convex sides. 106 grams total, 10.2-15.2 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
Some of these arrowheads seem to belong to the type V, subcategory type C, according to the classification of Khorasani and Negahban. In the four categories of triangular bronze arrowheads from Luristan, Marlik and Northern Iran individuated by Negahban, subtypes C and D of type V are larger arrow or javelin heads, C with barbed shoulders and D with round shoulders.
