Loading, please wait...
LOT 1527
Luristan Bronze Socketted Spearhead
13TH-6TH CENTURY B.C.
9 in. (12 1/4 in.) (382 grams total, spearhead: 23.1 cm (31.2 cm including stand)).
With a broad leaf-shaped blade, a triangular mid-rib and a tapering tubular socket; accompanied by a display stand.
ProvenanceEx Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
LiteratureCf. Overlaet, B., ‘Luristan metalwork in the Iron Age’ in Stöllner, T., Slotta, R. & Vatandoust, A., (eds.), in Persiens Antike Pracht. Bergbau - Handwerk – Archäologie, Bochum, 2004, pp. 328-338, fig.7, p.335; Khorasani M.M., Arms and Armour from Iran. The Bronze Age to the End of the Qajar Period, Tübingen, 2006, pp.242-243.
FootnotesThe 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.
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:
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.
-
Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead Collection
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Including triangular, barbed, leaf-shaped and other types. 266 grams total, 6-19.5 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. -
Greek Hellenic Inscribed Lead Slingshot
3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Lenticular type with casting seam to the rim, raised 'OΛO' legend; with old dealer's ticket. 4.53 grams, 34 mm
From Asia. Acquired on the UK art market. From the private collection of an East Anglian, UK, Specialist Collector. Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue entry. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Piriform in profile with a rounded base, and two circumferential bands on the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 465 grams, 13.7 cm
From a specialist collection, London, UK, 1990-2000s. 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. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια, where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.
