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LOT 1111
Marlik Type Bronze Decorated Spearhead
13TH-12TH CENTURY B.C.
17 in. (481 grams, 43 cm).
With a long blade, broad midrib, rectangular-section long tang, engraved reinforced shaft and rounded shoulders.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
Cf. Khorasani, M.M., Arms and Armour from Iran - The Bronze Age to the End of the Qajar Period, Tuebingen, 2006, p.633, Cat.286, inventory no.11485, of National Museum of Iran in Tehran.
FootnotesIn this category (Type II of the Khorasani typology) the blade has three fullers, and the shaft is usually engraved with diagonal lines. Similar spearheads were excavated by Dr Negahban in Marlik.
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LOT 1111
Marlik Type Bronze Decorated Spearhead
Estimate £300 - 400€350 - 460 (for guidance only)$410 - 540 (for guidance only)
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North-West Persian Bronze Short Sword Blade with Blood Channels
Late 2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Leaf-shaped with short rectangular tang, corrugated midrib with five grooves extending almost to the tip and flared at the rounded shoulders. 347 grams, 47.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The 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function of the ridges here was not only decorative, but principally to reduce suction and thus allow the blade to be withdrawn speedily.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. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Piriform body with domed filler-hole, raised vertical flanges to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 500 grams, 12 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'.
Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Viking Age and Later Iron Axehead Group
10th-18th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £88
Mainly comprising socketted axeheads and adzes, together with other items; including at least one stamped with maker's marks. 9.5 kg total, 14.5-28.5 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
