Luristan Bronze Socketted Adze

With broad leaf-shaped blade and tapering tubular socket. 155 grams, 24 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

The spear belongs to the type VIII classified by Khorasani (spearheads with well-projecting midribs and long folded sockets) and more specifically to subtype C (with leaf-shaped blade and short hollow socket). Usually the willow-leaf blade has an almost straight shoulder base and a wide, flat midrib tapering towards the point.

With fish-shaped blade of piled iron construction with square shoulder and flat-section tang; incised triskele motif to one face, each arm terminating in a bird's head with curved beak and lentoid eye; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 870 grams total, 67 cm high including stand



Acquired in the 2000s. From the private collection of John Lawton, Surrey, UK.

Egg-shaped with spiked sleeves or prongs, the top of the weapon with a narrow edge, the sleeves with small internal tangs for mounting. 127 grams, 10.1 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

The 'claw mace' was an enigmatic ancient bronze weapon from the Bronze Age Near East. The hollow bulbous head was trailed by tines of varying lengths. It is believed that it was affixed over a wooden shaft and used like a club in combat, and not necessarily used as ceremonial weapon. The knife edge bulb end could have broken bones and proven to be a formidable striking weapon requiring no skill to wield. The tines would have not only been decorative, but have served to add strength below the striking end to prevent breakage. In battle, maces were often used by commanders to display rank when giving orders in battle and leading soldiers, inspiring leadership and power.