Loading, please wait...
LOT 1050
Luristan Bronze Sword Blade
1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
18 in. (445 grams, 45.5 cm).
Comprising a narrow leaf-shaped blade with midrib and lateral channels, rounded shoulders, short tang with attachment hole.
ProvenanceEx German collection, Cologne, formed 1980s-1990.
The Kusmirek Collection, UK.
Cf. Christie's, The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, part 2, London, 2004, item 36, p.33.
FootnotesThe metalworking techniques used in making bronze weapons in early Iran were very complex. Surfaces were often finished in repoussé work, and some of the weapons were chased, others engraved. The function of the ridges here was not only decorative, however, but principally to reduce suction and thus allow the blade to be withdrawn speedily. The ruling elites of warrior horsemen were buried in the graves with their weapons and horses which are the main sources of the Luristan and North-Western bronze weapons.
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.
LOT 1050
Luristan Bronze Sword Blade
Estimate £200 - 300€230 - 350 (for guidance only)$270 - 410 (for guidance only)
-
Luristan Bronze Spearhead
14th-10th century B.C.Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £60
Lanceolate profile with rounded tip and deep shoulders, short tang. 223 grams, 40 cm
Ex German collection, Cologne, 1980-1990s.
The metalworking techniques used in making bronze weapons in Luristan were very complex. Surfaces were often finished in repoussé work, and some of the weapons were chased, others engraved. The spearhead seems to belong to the type V (heavy spearheads) of the Khorasani's classification, having ovate blade with rounded and gently curved shoulders. Unfortunately the original mid-rib is today completely effaced. -
German Closed Iron Helm
Circa 1560 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,940
An armet with rounded one-piece skull raising to a roped medial comb, visor, prow shaped upper bevor and bevor attached by common pivots, each secured at the right side by a spring-catch, the visor with stepped centrally divided visor-slit and two gorget-plates. 2 kg, 31 cm high
Acquired on the European art market. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by a copy of an invoice. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11767-203981.
The term armet is generally used to denote a visored helmet of particular construction, one in which large cheekpieces are hinged to the base of the bowl just above the ears and close in front of the chin. From about 1515 A.D., the Germans produced a variant armet where the downward extension of the skull was made much wider, reaching as far forward as the ears. The cheekpieces on this type of helmet opened sideways, on vertical hinges on the edges of this wider neck element. -
Luristan Bronze Sword with Hilt
13th-6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,235
Composed of a double-edged triangular blade with lentoid cross-section, long lower guard with strip extensions to both faces and edges, iron grip, bronze cotton-reel pommel. 635 grams, 35.5 cm
Ex West German collection, Cologne. The Kusmirek Collection, UK.