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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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Migration Period Iron Spatha Sword with Garnet Inlaid Hilt
5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,160
Comprising a double-edged parallel-sided blade showing battle nicks on both cutting edges, medium length tapering tang; lentoid-shaped lower-guard with inset garnets to one side; accompanied by an amber sword bead with a bronze stud with garnet inlay. 753 grams total, 1.9-80 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. Accompanied by an 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 no. 12063-217911.
This type of swords (cf. Lebedinsky 2001, p.117) usually had stones hanging from the pommel or hilt, like the one preserved here. This typology was widespread in central Europe by the Huns and there are also specimens attested in Gaul in the 5th century. -
Luristan Bronze Arrowhead Collection
Circa 2nd millennium B.C.-9th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Including triangular, leaf-shaped, barbed, square-section, and other types. 446 grams total, 10-17.5 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.
It is significant to remember that the use of winged and barbed heads in Anatolia was common since the second millennium B.C., but apparently their employment began earlier in this area, where types like these occur alongside the non-barbed, predominantly ribbed and tanged types. -
Saxon and Roman Iron Military Spur Display
Circa 2nd-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Comprising a Roman U-shaped spur with lateral lugs and prick spur; an Anglo-Saxon iron spur with barley twist body and small terminals. 254 grams total, 82-83 mm
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
The Romans employed a light spur (calcar) made of bronze or iron, U-shaped and barely covering the heel. To the rear of the spur was a small point, and this form continued to be in use through the early Medieval period. The Saxon spurs were very similar to the Roman examples, although slightly larger and with a more spiked point.
