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_900x900.jpg "Luristan Bronze Socketted Axehead")
_200x200.jpg "Luristan Bronze Socketted Axehead")
.jpg "Luristan Bronze Socketted Axehead")
LOT 1134
Luristan Bronze Socketted Axehead
CIRCA 13TH-7TH CENTURY B.C.
5 3/4 in. (1.2 kg, 14.5 cm).
Featuring an oval-shaped socket, straight upper edge and curved lower edge with slightly convex cutting edge. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
Cf. Calmeyer, P., Datierbare Bronzen aus Luristan und Kirmanshah II. Datierbare Gruppen (chronologisch geordnet), De Gruyter, 1969, fig.6, p.10, group 2, type A3 a, of the Calmeyer classification.
FootnotesUnadorned weapons, especially axes, adzes and picks, were made by Luristan craftsmen using simple clay or stone bivalve moulds, into which was inserted a core to form the socket for the shaft. Typically, the metallic composition consisted of a combination of arsenical bronze and copper, together with a small percentage of lead.
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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German WWI Erfurt 'Butcher' Bayonet
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Featuring a fullered blade with wood-scale hilt and press-release stud; stamped with a maker's mark and issue date. 557 grams, 50.2 cm
Acquired from The Lanes Armoury, Brighton, UK. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by a Lanes Armoury certificate of authenticity. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Pear-shaped ceramic vessel with domed filler-hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 594 grams, 12 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.
Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Turkish Iron Sabre
15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £585
Comprising a cross-shaped hand guard, the blade with a slight curvature widening towards the point; mounted on a custom-made wall mount. 1.35 kg total, 95 cm including stand
Still-homogenous blade structure, pitting and traces of surface material losses due to the permanence in water; presence of many battle nicks on the cutting part of the blade.
Private collection, Munich, Germany, 1970s. Private collection, London, UK, 2014, acquired from the above.
The Turkish sabres from 15th century, had hilts similar to Omayyad and Abbasid's swords. The blades were long and heavy and were most probably used for swinging cuts, and were particularly convenient for point-thrusts when fighting on foot.
