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LOT 1537
Mesopotamian Bronze Javelin Head
3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
18 3/8 in. (184 grams, 46.7 cm).
With foliate blade, raised mid-rib, medium length stem widening at its base and forming a small stop, rectangular-section tang with bent terminal.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
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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AUCTIONS:
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Iron Age Celtic Iron La Tene Sword with Scabbard
250-120 B.C.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £600
Comprising a double-edged sword, the blade terminating in a round point, a shallow groove running along both sides of the blade, lozenge-section grip with four edges; supplied with a curved guard and a small cylindrical pommel; the scabbard with edged borders and the slide scabbard for the fastening of the suspension chain. 1.06 kg total, 64-76 cm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The sword belongs to the period of the last Celtic deeds in Europe, when their warriors succeededin sacking the Holy Sanctuary of Delphi in Greece. Livy, based upon the text of Polybius generically speaks of 'Gallica arma' and 'ferrum', the latter synonymous of a sword (Livy, XXI, 42, 1-4). Diodorus tells us that the swords were worn by the Celts on the right side, hanging from a belt tied around his waist and were not carried hanging from a baldric over the shoulder like the Greeks or the Etruscans (V, 30, 3). He describes (V, 29 and 30) the fighting techniques of the Celts (combat chariot) and a list of all the weapons used: shields as tall as a man which exhibit embossed figures of animals in rolled brass with both decorative and protective function; the brass helmets with high crests, horns, or with figures of birds and quadrupeds to the top; a chainmail armour in iron; long swords hanging from the right side by means of iron and bronze chain; spears; javelins; war trumpets with hoarse sounds; and gold or silver plated belts. -
Medieval Bronze Archer's Thumb Ring
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
With a D-section hoop, triangular extension with incised decoration. 2.99 grams, 24.04 mm overall, 19.35 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)
From an English collection formed before 2000. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Medieval Iron Triangular Axehead
Circa 15th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13
A small axe with a gently curving blade and circular socket. 163 grams, 85 mm
Ex North American private collection, 1970s-1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
