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LOT 1451
Margiana Bronze Axehead
LATE 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
7 1/4 in. (289 grams, 18.3 cm).
With a narrow neck and rounded bill-shaped blade, rounded wings to the socket and square-headed stud behind.
ProvenanceEx Abelita family collection, 1988.
LiteratureCf. Gorelik, M., Weapons of Ancient East, IV millennium BC-IV century BC, Saint Petersburg, 2003 (in Russian), pl.XXI, no.84, from Afghanistan; Cf. Gernez, G., L’armament en métal au Proche et Moyen-Orient: des origines a 1750 av. J.C., Paris, 2007, fig.2.16, subtype H2.J.b.
FootnotesThese categories of axes were of Oriental production, coming from the territories of Bactria and Margiana, occasionally imported in Elam and Luristan. The anthropomorphic and zoomorphic patterns are sometimes visible, as well as the button at the back of the heel (very common) are related to examples of Luristan, but the style differs markedly.
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LOT 1451
Margiana Bronze Axehead
Estimate £300 - 400€350 - 460 (for guidance only)$410 - 540 (for guidance only)
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Medieval Iron Arrowhead
Circa 14th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Composed of a rectangular-section tip with a single barb, twisted shank and a tubular socket with a single piercing. 7.85 grams, 12 cm
Found Norfolk, UK. -
Turco-Mongol Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
13th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
A hollow ceramic vessel with cylindrical body, carinated shoulder, short neck and domed mouth; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 519 grams, 17 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.
This piece was a sort of ceramic fire grenade, similar to the ones used by the Eastern Romans but of Turco-Mongol type. Apart from the use of manual flame-throwers, special corps of soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. -
Large Luristan Bronze Socketted Axe-Adze
13th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
With tapering socket and flared rim to the mouth, vertical axe-blade with curved cutting edge, horizontal adze blade of similar proportions. 1.14 kg, 24 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The earliest axe-adzes from the 3rd millennium B.C. were weapons and tools furnished with socketted holes. Usually the socket is a more secure way of attaching the object to a wooden haft than having a tang. These weapons developed into a range of different forms in the 2nd millennium B.C., which were used until at least 800 B.C.
