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LOT 1117
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of the ridges here was not only decorative, however, but principally to reduce suction and thus allow the blade to be withdrawn speedily.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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Luristan Arrowhead Group
13th-9th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Comprising four tanged arrowheads, having large elongated triangular blades and raised midrib, sharp central groove, rectangular section stem with handle for the shaft, barbed shoulders and convex or squared sides. 161 grams total, 13-17 cm
From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1969-1999; thence by descent.
These arrowheads seem to belong to the type V, subcategory types A and C according to the classification of Khorasani and Negahban. In the four categories of triangular bronze arrowheads from Luristan, Marlik and Northern Iran individuated by Negahban, subtypes A and C of type V are larger arrow heads with barbed shoulders and triangular heads. These types of arrowheads were commonly used in Anatolia and Mesopotamia from the 2nd millennium B.C., but apparently their employment began earlier in this area, where types like these occur alongside the non-barbed, predominantly ribbed and tanged types. -
Dutch Thumb Ring Sword
Mid 16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
The blade composed of a straight, double edge with single fuller and clear running wolf marks; signed 'S AH A GOM' in both fullers with 'shooting star' below and with punched crown mark just below the hilt; twisted wire grip, thumb ring, leaf-shaped guard to hilt, bulbous pommel. 826 grams, 84 cm
Acquired from West Street Antiques, Dorking, Surrey, UK, 2015. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by copy of a previous listing and item ticket. -
Medieval Iron Artefact Collection
14th-18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Comprising axeheads of different types, together with a pickaxe with a small hammer-style butt. 5.48 kg total, 16-30 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
Various axes of similar types have been recovered from the colonies of the New World. One of our specimen seems to be a French hatchet marked with a cross and circle, like the one found in the estate of Tom Wnuck.
