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LOT 1385
Marlik Type Bronze Tanged Spearhead
12TH-11TH CENTURY B.C.
12 3/8 in. (159 grams, 31.5 cm).
With heavily ridged and tapering blade, short collared shaft and a square-section tapering tang bent at the tip.
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, Tübingen, 2006, item 279.
FootnotesThe weapon belongs to type I of the Khorasani classification. Similar weapons have been excavated in Marlilk by Professor Negahban and dated by Stutzinger to the late 13th-early 12th century B.C.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1385
Marlik Type Bronze Tanged Spearhead
Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
With domed filler-hole, broad shoulder, alternating bands of crescent impressed detailing; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 242 grams, 10.1 cm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. 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. -
Luristan Bronze Arrowhead
13th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Heater-shaped with barbs to the rear and midrib developing to a tang. 34 grams, 15.6 cm (139 grams total, 16.7 cm high including stand)
Ex Abelita family collection, 1988. -
North-West Persian Bronze Short Sword with Integral Grip and Horns
Circa 1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
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.'
