Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0232
Migration Period Sword Blade with Agate Pommel
CIRCA 5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 - 32 5/8 in. (823 grams total, 3.5-83 cm).
A two-edged parallel-sided iron blade with broad pointed tip, battle nicks to both cutting edges; accompanied by a discoid agate pommel. [2, No Reserve]
Provenance
Acquired 1971-1972.
From the collection of the vendor's father.
Property of a London, UK, collector.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Literature
See Behmer, E., Das zweischneidige Schwert der germanischen Völkerwanderungszeit, Stockholm, 1939; Lebedinsky, I., Armes et guerriers barbares au temps des grandes invasions, Paris, 2001; Spier, J., Treasures of the Ferrell collection, Wiesbaden, 2010.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Western Asiatic Dagger Blade with Winged Guards
Late 2nd-mid 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £410
A bronze dagger with prominently curved or winged guard, extending out from the ricasso and partly framing the tang, once covered by an organic hilt; the thick midrib extending slightly above the ricasso. 484 grams, 60 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
Many examples of these blades have been excavated in the South Caspian area at Ghalekuti, and in the area of Talish. They have been found primarily in Iron Age graves, although the curves of the guards are reminiscent of the barbed arrow and javelin heads associated with Bronze Age Marlik. This is why some scholars (Dyson) dated them to the second millennium BC and others (Muscarella) to the recent Iron Age. It is possible that this style represents continuity from the Bronze to the Iron Age. -
Viking Period Bearded Axehead
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
A hand-forged iron axehead with triangular-section narrow blade widening to a broad bevelled edge with square chin, socket with lateral flanges and rectangular panel to the rear. 422 grams, 15.2 cm
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.
The axe appears to belong to the typology of Viking side axes of Wheeler type B (Wheeler III / Rygh 559). Usually these bearded axeheads (skeggöks) had a longer edge, designed to split tree trunks into planks and beams, or heads during the battle. Some of the bearded axes were known as halfÞynna öx, the neck on such 'half thin axe' was thinly forged, to make it lighter. -
Akkadian Bronze Mace Head
2400-2000 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
A bronze cylindrical mace head or cudgel with collared stem and flanged rim, the upper body with alternating vertical ribs and chevrons. 510 grams, 23 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
