Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 1397

Luristan Bronze Sword Blade

LATE 2ND-EARLY 1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.

17 3/8 in. (883 grams total including stand, sword: 44 cm).

A substantial leaf-shaped blade with raised midrib extending to a short tang, ribbed fullers with curved ends extending to the shoulders.

Provenance

From London Mayfair gallery, 1990s.

Literature

See Khorasani, M.M., Arms and Armour from Iran. The Bronze Age to the End of the Qajar Period, Tübingen, 2006, s. cat 31, for type, complete with hilt; Christie's, The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, part 2, London, 2004, item 36, p.33.

Footnotes

Luristan was hardly an ethnic or political entity, but the people of Luri had relations through warfare and trade with Sumerians, Lullubi, Assyrians, Babylonians and Elamites in a large time period, spanning from the 3rd to the 2nd millennium B.C. The ruling elites of warrior horsemen were buried in the graves with their weapons and horses which are the main sources of the Luristan bronze weapons.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine 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 1397

Luristan Bronze Sword Blade

Estimate £600 - 800€700 - 930 (for guidance only)$810 - 1,080 (for guidance only)

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • North-West Persian Bronze Short Sword with Integral Grip and Horns
    North-West Persian Bronze Short Sword with Integral Grip and Horns
    Circa 1st millennium B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £338

    With curved 'horns' projecting on either side at the top of waisted grip, blade with flat mid-rib. 242 grams, 41.5 cm



    Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

    The Luristani people produced a quantity of fine metalwork, which according to Dr Khorasani, could be due to a settled period which arose as a result of the defeat of the Elamites by the Babylonians, leaving the Luristani people in relative peace for a period of time after 1200 B.C. According to Khorasani, 'A culture of innovation and experimentation flourished, and the repertoire of the Luristan smiths expanded in the period between 1150-1050 BC.'

    Lot Details

  • Large Western Asiatic Bronze Socketted Axehead
    Large Western Asiatic Bronze Socketted Axehead
    3rd-2nd millennium B.C.

    Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £60

    With wide swept blade, large socket with shallow raised circumferential rib, hammer to the rear. 1.34 kg, 19 cm



    Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

    Lot Details

  • Large Romano-British Bronze Catapult Fitting
    Large Romano-British Bronze Catapult Fitting
    1st century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £20

    Substantial cast cupola with socket to the apex; possibly from a field artillery piece. 110 grams, 67 mm



    Reputed to have been excavated near Viables in Hampshire at the end of the 19th century. From the estate of the late Jennifer Simmonds. Acquired from Jacobs & Hunt auctioneers, Petersfield, Hampshire, UK.

    The circular umbo does not correspond to any known central shield boss, as it also lacks the lower edge; instead, it finds a good correspondence with the circular bosses that reinforced the lower and upper frame of a catapult, equipped with a central bronze cover.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list