Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 0295

Luristan Bronze Short Sword

10TH CENTURY B.C.

17 3/4 in. (367 grams, 45 cm).

With triangular blade in outline and prominent mid-rib divided in three sections; square shoulders with rectangular guard; rectangular grip with openings for inlays on either side.

Provenance

Acquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.

Literature

For similar examples of swords see Gorelik, M., Weapons of Ancient East, IV millennium BC-IV century BC, Saint Petersburg (2003), pl.VI, no.34 (Luristan).

Footnotes

This bronze sword has the handle cast onto the blade. The grip is flanged for accepting inlays. The blade has square shoulders and is decorated with geometric triangles. According to Moorey this type dates to the turn of 2nd millennium B.C.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine 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.

LOT 0295

Luristan Bronze Short Sword

Sold for (Inc. bp): £845

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Medieval Iron Anti-Cavalry Caltrop Group
    Medieval Iron Anti-Cavalry Caltrop Group
    13th-15th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £364

    Comprising eight anti-cavalry caltrops, hand-forged with square-section spikes. 298 grams total, 77-95 mm



    From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.

    Lot Details

  • Viking Age and Later Axehead Group
    Viking Age and Later Axehead Group
    Circa 11th-18th century A.D.

    Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £50

    Comprising socketted axeheads of various types; some possibly stamped with maker's marks. 7 kg total, 16-24.5 cm



    Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

    Lot Details

  • Roman Praetorian Guard Terracotta Sling Shot with Scorpion
    Roman Praetorian Guard Terracotta Sling Shot with Scorpion
    1st century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £286

    Lentoid section with a raised 'keel' to one end, depicting a stylised scorpion. 25.75 grams, 43 mm



    Ex Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s. From a North London collection.

    The sling (funda) with its lead (plumbea pondera) and stone missiles was used by special funditores, illustrated on Trajan’s Column where they are dressed in broad tunics with no armour, but carry a shield. Interestingly, this glans has the emblem usually associated with the Praetorian Guard - the scorpion. It was an emblem also used in Ptolemaic Egypt, and it is not impossible that this bullet could be Ptolemaic or Romano-Egyptian. We believe this bullet could be associated with the Praetorian regiments which means this could be one of the first pieces of evidence for their use.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list