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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of the ridges here was not only decorative, however, but principally to reduce suction and thus allow the blade to be withdrawn speedily.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.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1050
Luristan Bronze Sword Blade
Estimate £200 - 300€230 - 350 (for guidance only)$270 - 410 (for guidance only)
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Viking Age Iron Sword with Five-Lobed Pommel
Circa 10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,940
Composed of a double-edged tapering blade of Petersen Type T variant, with a slightly rounded point, shallow fullers; boat-shaped cross guard with traces of vertical silver strips, narrow tang; boat-shaped upper guard supporting a five-lobed pommel with traces of silver inlay. 1.05 kg, 89.5 cm
The general blade structure is still homogenous, few delamination traces on the sides, some flaking along the pattern-welds, small corrosion damages along the edge; in general fine condition, an excellent weapon.
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector. 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.11755-202775. -
Urartian Bronze Cuirass Belt with Animals
8th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,160
Displaying two repoussé registers of animals including lions, antelope and birds processing right between geometric borders, stylised flower heads to one terminal; attachment perforations to upper and lower edges; one rounded terminal, one terminating with a narrow arm and D-shaped lug; mounted on an adjustable custom-made display stand. 6.4 kg total, 35 cm high including stand
some restoration.
UK private collection before 2000. UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. Accompanied by an academic report by 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.11745-202242.
Protective belts were very popular in the Caucasus, especially among the Urartians, decorated with geometric motifs, or with images of warriors, animals, hunting and mythological tales. They were regarded as a personal item and eventually buried with the warrior. -
Viking Age Iron Bearded Axehead
9th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
Finno-Ugrian with scooped socket, broad blade with extension to the lower edge, hole to the blade, possibly of Baltic workmanship. 498 grams, 16.2 cm
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.
During their struggles against Germans and Teutonic Knights, deceased pagans were often cremated along with damaged or ceremonially sacrificed weaponry. If swords were generally reserved for the military elite, the side axe was one of the most commonly used weapons.
