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LOT 1582
North-Western Persian Bronze Sword Blade
11H-7TH CENTURY B.C.
14 in. (286 grams, 35.5 cm).
With a prominently curved guard extending out from the ricasso, partly framing the hilt, thick midrib extending slightly above the ricasso.
ProvenanceEx Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
LiteratureSee Muscarella, O.W., Bronze and Iron Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1988, pp.99-100, for a similar blade.
FootnotesThe hilt of such swords was made separately and, unfortunately, is nearly always missing from the archaeological records. Similar daggers had a northern Iranian background, and excavated examples have been recorded from the South Caspian area from Tomadjan and Ghalekuti. Their chronology ranges from the late 2nd millennium B.C. to the 7th century B.C.
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AUCTIONS:
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Mesopotamian Bronze 'Anchor' Axehead with Incised Star Sign of the Sun God Shamash
Late 3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,160
Comprising a crescentic blade with two spurs at each end intended to brace against the shaft, a narrow neck, flared socket with vertical spurs and a knop finial projecting from the rear; ribbed decoration on the rear edge; one side of the blade incised with a symbol of the god sun Shamash, depicted as a four-pointed star with wavy rays alternating with straight rays, a winged solar disc inside. 294 grams, 12.7 cm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. 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.13043-248308.
This specific type of weapon is called an ‘anchor’ axe because of its shape. Anchor axes have been excavated in Egypt, at Byblos and Ur. Many of them have been said to come from Iran as well, especially from the area of Gilan. The present specimen, in which the shaft hole is joined to the blade by the central tang, is of the same specific type as that excavated in Ur. According to Calmeyer, these axes developed in Mesopotamia. Moorey further explains that the large numbers of these axes reported from Iran could derive from Mesopotamian imports. The Mesopotamian origin of our axe could be further confirmed by the incised motif on the blade, the symbol of the sun god Shamash. The ‘star of Shamash’, typically represented as a four-pointed star with wavy lines placed between the points, is attested as early as the period of Sargon of Accad, who dominated Mesopotamia in 2200 B.C. This symbol can be visible on various Mesopotamian artworks, like the ‘Kudurru’ of Ritti-Marduk at the British Museum; however, dated to 1125-1104 B.C. Another representation is visible on the Tablet of Shamash at the BM, dated 800 B.C. It is also possible, therefore, that the symbol of Shamash was incised on the axe in a later period, but not later than 800 B.C. -
Large Luristan Bronze Socketted Axehead
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
With a slender, scooped blade, a round socket and shallow scooped depression to the upper face of the blade with thick curved edge; socket chipped. 1.05 kg, 13 cm
Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. -
Viking Age Iron Hook-Billed Axehead
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Broad blade with thickened edge, rounded socket with lateral triangular extensions. 347 grams, 16.5 cm
Ex North American collection, 1970s.
