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LOT 1203
North-West Persian Bronze Short Sword Blade with Blood Channels
LATE 2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
18 3/4 in. (347 grams, 47.5 cm).
Leaf-shaped with short rectangular tang, corrugated midrib with five grooves extending almost to the tip and flared at the rounded shoulders.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
Cf. Christie's, The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, part 2, London, 2004, item 36, p.33.
FootnotesThe metalworking techniques used in making bronze weapons in early Iran were very complex. Surfaces were often finished in repoussé work, and some of the weapons were chased, others engraved. The function of the ridges here was not only decorative, but principally to reduce suction and thus allow the blade to be withdrawn speedily. The ruling elites of warrior horsemen were buried in the graves with their weapons and horses.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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LOT 1203
North-West Persian Bronze Short Sword Blade with Blood Channels
Estimate £400 - 600€460 - 700 (for guidance only)$540 - 810 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine Iron Horse Bit
14th-16th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £111
Composed of arched openwork shanks with looped terminals; one end fitted with large hoops and bar between; one end with a tripartite mouthpiece comprising two collared bars connected by a central hoop; Byzantine or early Ottoman. 340 grams, 19.5 cm
Fine condition.
Collection of Dr. Hanns-Ulrich Haedeke (1928-2017), author of ‘Schmuck Aus Drei Jahrtausenden’ and who became the director of the Museum of Klingenmuseum in Solingen, Germany, in 1968; the collection was formed in the early 1960s. From an important private Dutch collection.
This type of horse bit is visible on one of the most important equestrian artworks of the 15th century - the Cappella dei Magi by Benozzo Gozzoli, a painting representing the Three Kings visiting Christ, depicted in costumes belonging to the early quarter of 15th century. All the cavalrymen in the artwork had heavy curb-bits (with short and curved shanks, as in our specimen) and heavy, single reins. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Dagger
2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £200 - 300 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
With narrow pointed blade and wide raised flange down centre, straight sides, well marked shoulders with wide tang, one upper hole for rivet. 149 grams total, 21 cm high including stand
From the possessions of a member of a German princely family, gathered in the late 19th century, until the 1930s. with Auction House CUSP, Vienna, Auction Antique Art from Asia and from the Eastern Mediterranean, 16 June 2012, lot 75 [Part].
The type was technically more advanced than previous types of blades in the Near East due to its shape and its slightly convex sides widening out near the point, which combined the advantages of the leaf-shaped and straight-sided forms. -
Dutch Thumb Ring Sword
Mid 16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
The blade composed of a straight, double edge with single fuller and clear running wolf marks; signed 'S AH A GOM' in both fullers with 'shooting star' below and with punched crown mark just below the hilt; twisted wire grip, thumb ring, leaf-shaped guard to hilt, bulbous pommel. 826 grams, 84 cm
Acquired from West Street Antiques, Dorking, Surrey, UK, 2015. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by copy of a previous listing and item ticket.
