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LOT 1070
Luristan Dagger with Decorated Hilt
9TH-8TH CENTURY B.C.
14 1/2 in. (322 grams, 37 cm).
A bronze dagger with a tapering triangular blade, the handle with three raised concentric bands, crescent-shaped pommel.
ProvenanceEx S. Motamed collection.
with Bellman's Auctions, 20th-26th June 2015, lot 2482.
Property of a London gentleman.
Cf. for a parallel (in iron) Vanden Berghe L., ‘Excavations in Pusht-i Kuh (Iran) Tombs Provide Evidence on Dating "Typical Luristan Bronzes"’ in Archaeology, June, 1971, pp.263-271, fig.10, p.265.
FootnotesSeveral similar iron daggers were discovered during excavations at War Kabud. Differently from the bronze specimens, where the handle is ribbed, the iron specimens have bronze nails for fastening of the wooden grip on either side.
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AUCTIONS:
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Western Asiatic Socketted Spearhead
9th-7th century B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
A bronze spearhead with short conical socket, triangular-shaped blade with prominent central rib. 81 grams, 15 cm long
Fine condition.
Earlier 20th century Cologne collection, Germany. London Mayfair gallery, UK. Dr D.G. collection, 1990s-2019. Accompanied by an old typed catalogue slip with provenance. -
Luristan Horse Harness Cheekpiece
11th-8th century B.C.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
A bronze cheek-piece element in the form of a righthand side bar, surmounted by two loops for additional straps, ending in a lion's head at the front, the other extremity bending outwards and ending with a conical tip, remains of the iron bar visible on the sides; once belonging to an articulate bit. 130 grams, 13.5 cm wide
Fine condition.
Acquired mid 1980s to early 1990s. Private family collection formed in London, UK.
The association of Psalia in the shape of a bar and with an articulated bit is documented in Assyria, in Media and in central Iran starting from the 10th century B.C., but the zoomorphic elements of this specimen suggest that it was produced in Luristan. The use of articulated bits, which moved inside the horse's mouth, exerting a minimal pressure on the reins, allowed for better control of the mount. -
Cased Flintlock 'Knife and Fork' Gun Pair
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,160
A pair of smooth-bore flintlock pistols of about 5mm bore formed as a knife and fork (two tines) set; with steel blades (the knife with a profile bust maker's mark) with the pistols contained within the brass foliate engraved handles, firing to the rear; each fitted with finely made steel single action flintlock mechanism to sides; contained in the original velvet-lined mahogany case with hinged lid and brass catches; actions in working order. 1.31 kg total, case 30 x 13 cm
Acquired Peter Wilson Auction, 2020, lot 13. Property of a Kent collector. Accompanied by lot ticket.
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.
