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LOT 1463
Mesopotamian Bronze Javelin Head
3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
17 3/4 in. (262 grams, 45 cm).
With foliate blade, rhomboidal in section, raised mid-rib, medium length stem widening at its base and forming a small stop, quadrangular section tang with bent terminal.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
Cf. Gorelik, M., Weapons of Ancient East, IV millennium BC-IV century BC, Saint Petersburg, 2003, in Russian, see pl.XXXIII, no.82, from Tepe Hissar; Gernez, G., L’armament en métal au Proche et Moyen-Orient: des origines a 1750 av. J.C., Paris, 2007, p.301, fig.2.88, subtype L2.B.b.
FootnotesThe specimen belongs to the category of tripartite spears with long pointed biconvex blade and single bevelled tang. They seem to be a Mesopotamian and Susian (Elamite) variant, and this type also includes decorated blades, like the spear from Tello with the inscription 'King of Kish'.
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Mesopotamian Copper Double Rein Guide for a Chariot
Circa mid 3rd millennium B.C.Estimate: £8,000 - 10,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £4,444
In the form of an advancing stallion on a plinth, holding its head high and gazing to the right; short standing mane with incised detailing, and a long tail extending to the plinth; recessed eyes, likely once inlaid, drilled nostrils and open mouth; the plinth joined at a right angle to two connected rings atop three parallel rods, the rods joined at the bottom to an arching bar with side lugs. 603 grams, 28.5 cm
Acquired from Toufic Arakji, Hamburg, Germany, 14 January 1997. with Mahboubian Gallery, London, UK. Property of a London gentleman. Accompanied by an academic academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12160-218627.
This magnificent chariot fitting was cast in one piece, probably made in arsenical copper in Mesopotamia in the Early Dynastic Period (ED). The reins were connected to the head harness and then passed through the rein ring, that was connected to a yoke pole. The purpose of the rein ring was to prevent the multiple reins snarling and also added an element of control for the driver. The lower concave bar was tied onto the pole by rope or leather, while the hooks served to secure the ends. These rein rings were not only practical instruments, but also ornamental elements of royal vehicles. A well-known example of this type is a terret crowned by an equid figure that was associated with Pu-abi’s sledge in the Royal Cemetery at Ur, today at the British Museum, inv.121438. -
Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
13th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
A hollow vessel with cylindrical body, short neck and domed mouth, four raised lugs to the body, bands of impressed dots in-between, raised neck with impressed crescents; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 357 grams, 14.7 cm
From a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 1990s onwards.
This was a type 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. -
Luristan Bronze Short Sword
13th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
With lentoid-section blade, tongue-shaped in plan, with integral tapering hilt with flared finial, lateral flanges to accept a panel of bone to each face forming the grip. 195 grams, 33.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The art of Luristan can be described as the art of nomadic herdsmen and horsemen with an emphasis on the crafting of small, easily portable objects, among these a great number of bronze weapons. The rich and noble aristocrats of the Luristan, Elamites, Hurrians, Lullubians, Kutians, and Kassites, went to battle splendidly equipped and wore magnificent bronze armour, using maces, spears and daggers as offensive weapons, alongside spears, bows and arrows.
