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of the ridges here was not only decorative, however, but principally to reduce suction and thus allow the blade to be withdrawn speedily.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)
-
Greek Browband from Bronze Pseudo-Attic Helmet
3rd-2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Semi-circular in shape, flat, the upper part raised, the lower one fitted with two fastening holes for the attachment to the upper bowl of the helmet; restored. 42 grams, 20.6 cm
Restored.
Private collection before 1937. Private collection, acquired February 1937, thence by descent. T.S. collection, UK, 1963.
The browband comes from a pseudo-Attic helmet of Thracian type (example from Brjastovec) or of a pseudo-Attic type with a high cap and fitted with a browband. These helmets, after prototypes already visible in the 5th century B.C., are typical of the Hellenistic era. The browband, if not fixed, was attached under the helmet's bowl, on the sides, by two rivets. -
Viking Rus Silver-Gilt Sword Belt End Group
10th century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £120
Comprising four sword belt strap ends of roughly rectangular form, with one rounded or gabled end and one fishtail end, each bearing a different nielloed decorative scheme, comprising: one with split front plate bearing geometric foliage framed by radiating lines to the perimeter; one with pelletted border and medial scrolled bar; one displaying a medial row of circular recesses and surrounding circular motifs; one decorated with five medial circular recesses on a ground of foliate forms, pellet border; all with a set of mounting lugs to the reverse. 34 grams total, 37-50 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Ex an important central London gallery, London W1.
During the medieval period, belts had a range of functions. They girdled the clothes and enabled suspension of small items such as knives, whetstones, purses and leather bags. The decoration of the belt depended on the social status of its owner: peasants wore woven and simple leather straps, whereas large feudal lords, prominent warriors, and princes wore golden belts, which were passed down through the generations. -
1866/74 Model Gras Rifle and Bayonet
Dated 1868 A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £222
Round rifled 90cm (35½") barrel of 11mm calibre with folding rear sight (without slide), bolt action with serial no.52431 to breech; fitted with full wood stock with steel butt cap, trigger guard, sling swivels and fore-end, steel cleaning rod; with correct Gras bayonet inscribed 'M[--] d'Armes de St Etienne 8bre 1878' to back and steel scabbard. 4.8 kg, 1.84 m
Acquired from Czerny's Auctions, Italy, 2019. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by a copy of Czerny's invoice and listing.
Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the Firearms Act, 1968, to be held as a curiosity or ornament. No license required but buyer must be over 18 years of age. Overseas bidders should note that, due to UK regulations governing export of all firearms, overseas buyers will need to make arrangements for shipping this lot out of the UK directly, by air freight, with a specialist company or agent.
