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_900x900.jpg "Mesopotamian Bronze Javelin Head")
_200x200.jpg "Mesopotamian Bronze Javelin Head")
.jpg "Mesopotamian Bronze Javelin Head")
LOT 1513
Mesopotamian Bronze Javelin Head
3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
15 1/8 in. (204 grams, 38.5 cm).
With a foliate blade, rhomboidal in section, raised mid-rib, medium-length stem widening at its base and forming a small stop, rectangular-section tang with bent terminal.
ProvenanceEx Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
LiteratureCf. 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 a long, pointed biconvex blade and a 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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LOT 1513
Mesopotamian Bronze Javelin Head
Estimate £150 - 200€170 - 230 (for guidance only)$200 - 270 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£75 (EUR 87; USD 101) +BP*
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Indo-Persian Inlaid Iron Talwar with Scabbard
Early-mid 20th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Comprising a curved damascened steel blade, hilt with horse-head pommel, knuckle-guard and stub quilolons; scabbard with two suspension points, inlaid white-metal detailing. 823 grams, 64 cm
Private collection, UK.
This is an example of a saber mass-produced for tourists at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. This is evidenced by the carelessly executed decoration of the engraved ornament covering the main part of the scabbard, as well as the inferior technique of decorating the hilt. However, it is a solid replica of the swords used in real combat. -
Luristan Bronze Socketted Spearhead
Circa 1800 B.C.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
Slender blade with a raised midrib and tubular socket. 222 grams, 36.5 cm
From the collection of Martin Doyle, Leverstock, UK, 1980s-2000s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Large bulbous body and a domed filler-hole, two circumferential bands above the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 743 grams, 13.4 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s. 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. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια, where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.
