Medieval Iron Spear and Arrowhead Group

Featuring an oval-shaped socket, straight upper edge and curved lower edge with slightly convex cutting edge. 1.2 kg, 14.5 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

Unadorned weapons, especially axes, adzes and picks, were made by Luristan craftsmen using simple clay or stone bivalve moulds, into which was inserted a core to form the socket for the shaft. Typically, the metallic composition consisted of a combination of arsenical bronze and copper, together with a small percentage of lead.

Featuring a gently curved single-edged iron blade and one-sided fuller, curved handle with knot pommel; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 525 grams total, 35 cm high including stand



Dutch art market. Private collection of K.S., Cologne, Germany, acquired 1996.

One of the military insignia of a Celtic warrior was the war-knife, usually between 33 and 35 cm long. For example, in the collection of Celtic military equipment from Galish-Lovachka, the archaeologists have found a short sword with an X-shaped handle (l = 41 cm), two middle La Tène swords (72.5 and 75 cm long), 12 large curved knives, 27 spearheads, two javelin heads, 14 arrowheads, and nine iron chain belts for hanging a sword. The war-knife was also used for hunting, as a spare weapon, or to cut the throat of an enemy in a surprise attack.

A leather belt with brass buckles to which are rivetted five leather cartridge holders each with internal retaining strap and cover; the reverse of the belt stamped '2575665'. 591 grams, 90 cm long



The Kusmirek Collection, UK.