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LOT 1415
North-Western Persian Type Bronze Blade
EARLY 1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
13 in. (99 grams, 33 cm).
With tapering triangular blade, having straight shoulders, flat midrib and tapering square-sectioned tang ending with a rounded pommel.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
Cf. Christie's, The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, part 1, London, 2002, item 31, p.34.
FootnotesMoorey, Gordon and Khorasani created a classification of bladed weapons, according to which daggers are edged weapons not greater than 36cm in length, dirks (short swords) are between 36cm and 50cm in length, and swords are edged weapons greater than 50cm in length.
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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Luristan Sara-Gorz Bronze Macehead
Circa 2000-1300 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
With long tubular shank and four hefty bulbs surrounding the shaft. 456 grams, 22.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. Accompanied by an earlier catalogue identification card.
This rare and unusual mace finds parallels with similar pieces published by Slotta, Vatandust, and Moorey. The dating varies between 21st and 14th century B.C. Western Iranian maces, especially the Luristan ones, were notable for the variety of different forms. According to Dr D. Nicolle the gorz or mace was primarily used as an armour breaking weapon since ancient times, and was very common on the Iranian plateau. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Spearhead with Decorative Supports and Blood Channels
2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
With a long triangular blade, strongly marked midrib divided into five grooves, rectangular-section tang; engraved and reinforced shaft with diagonal and horizontal grooves. 474 grams, 43 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
This homogeneous subtype (LF 2a of Gernez) is characterised by a set of morphological particularities which constitute a functional and aesthetic outcome. The tapered blade, triangular (like in our case) or ogival, is reinforced by a strong median bulge. The intermediate part often bears an incised or moulded decoration and the base is with a marked widening or with a stopper disc. The tang, square in section, is curved and widens at the end almost at a right angle. -
Migration Period Iron Sword with Garnet and Shell Cross Guard with Gold and Amber Sword Bead
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £6,240
Eastern Roman or Germanic cavalry spatha with a parallel-sided blade and broad pointed tip, long tang; the trapezoidal lower guard with a gilt chip-carved plate divided in segments set with garnets to one side, each end with a shell disc set with a central garnet cabochon; accompanied by a strap from the scabbard and an amber sword bead with a beaded gold setting with a garnet cabochon. 970 grams total, 2-100 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. 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.12012-213600.
The western spatha of the 4th-6th centuries was developed in a context that one can qualify as Romano-Germanic. Certain characteristics of the future Merovingian sword were already present in late Roman swords. It is quite natural that Type IV swords have been found in the countries conquered or settled by the Goths in southern, central and western Europe.
