Loading, please wait...
LOT 1471
North-Western Persian Bronze Blade
CIRCA 1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
13 1/8 in. (230 grams, 33.5 cm).
With a long tapering blade having rounded shoulders and a prominent mid-rib, the tang bent over at the tip with a round stud terminal.
ProvenanceEx Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
LiteratureCf. Christie's, The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, part 2, London, 2004, item 40, p.36.
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 ruling elites of warrior horsemen were buried 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:
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.
-
Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead Collection
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Each a narrow barbed-and-tanged type with a thick midrib. 216 grams total, 12.6-18.5 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. -
Maasai Lion-Killing Iron Spearhead
Late 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Comprising a long parallel-sided flat blade with slight midrib broadening to a rounded tip, flared shoulders and long conical socket. 544 grams, 79.5 cm
Property of a Berkshire, UK, gentleman collector. -
Luristan Bronze Axehead
12th-11th century B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
A spike-butted axehead with a short cylindrical socket with four furrowed ribs leading to four short spikes, blade with curved upper and lower edges and a convex cutting edge. 390 grams, 22 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
It is difficult to know whether this type of axe, given its high decoration in some specimens, was used as a weapon or was a symbol of rank and prestige, employed for ceremonial or cult purposes. However, considering that the concept of parade weapons did not exist in the surrounding areas in Antiquity, these axes were most probably used for both military and ceremonial purposes.
