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LOT 1789
Luristan Bronze Socketted Adze-Axehead
2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
6 1/2 in. (675 grams, 16.5 cm).
Short tubular socket with thickened rim, perpendicular short blade with convex cutting edge to the rear, and a larger triangular-section blade with curving blade to the front.
ProvenanceEx Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
LiteratureCf. Christie's, The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, part 2, London, 2004, items 21,34.
FootnotesThe earliest axes-adzes from the 3rd millennium B.C. were weapons and tools furnished with socket holes. Usually, the socket is a more secure way of attaching the object to a wooden haft than having a simple tang. These weapons developed into a plethora of forms in the 2nd millennium B.C., and the numerous new forms were used until at least 800 B.C.
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Luristan Bronze Long Sword with Double-Edged Blade and Domed Pommel
Circa 1200 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,560
With a tapering, double-edged, triangular blade and three-column midrib; crescent-shaped guard at the shoulder; cylindrical hilt with grips, domed pommel with recesses for inlay. 1.12 kg, 65.5 cm
Ex German collection. with Hermann Historica, Munich, Germany, 2008. Private collection, New York, USA. -
Luristan Bronze Axehead
12th-11th century B.C.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £133
A spike-butted axehead with a short cylindrical socket with four furrowed ribs leading to four short spikes, blade with curved upper and lower edges and a convex cutting edge. 390 grams, 22 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
It is difficult to know whether this type of axe, given its high decoration in some specimens, was used as a weapon or was a symbol of rank and prestige, employed for ceremonial or cult purposes. However, considering that the concept of parade weapons did not exist in the surrounding areas in Antiquity, these axes were most probably used for both military and ceremonial purposes. -
Luristan Bronze Tanged Lancehead
800-600 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
With a tapering rectangular-section blade and a short tang. 239 grams, 31 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
These shoulderless spearheads are introducing the Luristan and Hamadan in the Median and Achaemenid Periods. The bronze type was cast in a mould, and the length suggests it was a throwing weapon or used in conjunction with a chariot.
