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LOT 1196
North-West Persian Bronze Spearhead
EARLY 1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
13 5/8 in. (268 grams, 34.5 cm).
Short triangular two-edged blade with thick midrib, long round-section neck with V-shaped recesses to the lower end, tapering square-section tang.
ProvenanceEx German collection, Cologne, 1980-1990s.
LiteratureCf. Khorasani, M.M., Arms and Armour from Iran. The Bronze Age to the End of the Qajar Period, Tübingen, 2006, pp.240-241; Christie's, The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, part 2, London, 2004, p.36, no.40.
FootnotesThe spearhead belongs to a typology of spears widespread in the Marlik region, which Negahban divided into two categories. This spearhead belongs to type II, spearheads with triangular blades with rather short blade and shaft with a long tang, the total length of the blade being less than that of the shaft and tang together.
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Luristan Bronze Spearhead
14th-10th century B.C.Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £60
Lanceolate profile with rounded tip and deep shoulders, short tang. 223 grams, 40 cm
Ex German collection, Cologne, 1980-1990s.
The metalworking techniques used in making bronze weapons in Luristan were very complex. Surfaces were often finished in repoussé work, and some of the weapons were chased, others engraved. The spearhead seems to belong to the type V (heavy spearheads) of the Khorasani's classification, having ovate blade with rounded and gently curved shoulders. Unfortunately the original mid-rib is today completely effaced. -
Viking Age Iron Sword with Five-Lobed Pommel
Circa 10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,940
Composed of a double-edged tapering blade of Petersen Type T variant, with a slightly rounded point, shallow fullers; boat-shaped cross guard with traces of vertical silver strips, narrow tang; boat-shaped upper guard supporting a five-lobed pommel with traces of silver inlay. 1.05 kg, 89.5 cm
The general blade structure is still homogenous, few delamination traces on the sides, some flaking along the pattern-welds, small corrosion damages along the edge; in general fine condition, an excellent weapon.
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. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11755-202775. -
Roman Marble Ballista Catapult Shot
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Suitable for use with an onager or other catapult-type siege weapon; with smooth, finished surface. 2.13 kg, 11.5 cm
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.
The operation of the onager (Latin for 'wild ass') is first mentioned in 353 A.D. by Ammianus Marcellinus in his Res Gestae and more fully in Vegetius's Epitoma Rei Militaris probably written in the reign of Emperor Theodosius I (378-395 A.D.).
