Tudor Age Iron Triangular Axehead

With a long pointed triangular blade and a short tang, two rivet holes at the base of the blade. 193 grams, 36.5 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

The Luri people produced a quantity of fine metalwork, which according to Dr. Khorasani, could be due to a settled period which arose as a result of the defeat of the Elamites by the Babylonians, leaving the Luristani people in relative peace for a period of time after 1200 BC. According to Khorasani 'A culture of innovation and experimentation flourished, and the repertoire of the Luristan smiths expanded in the period between 1150–1050 BC.'

Single-edged crescent-shaped blade equipped with two curved pins with holes for attachment to a wooden shaft. 308 grams, 23.2 cm



Ex USA private collection, 1970s-1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

The blade belongs to the category of crock-backed blades, as classified by Flinders Petrie. More ancient fine Coptic examples are engraved with zigzag lines, a cross, fishes, and vine pattern. The iron halberd, viii, may be of some later date. The iconography of the medieval churches in Ethiopia suggest that these weapons were used as ceremonial halberds, and worn by guardsmen of rulers and bishops. A form similar to these halberds was used as a hoe in South Africa.

A biconical facetted lentoid-section lead sling shot (glans), inscription monogram a combination of letters 'C', 'A' and 'E', for 'C A E S' referring to Julius Caesar. 45.7 grams, 37 mm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a gentleman collector. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 4th May 2022 and titled 'Roman Res Publica - Lead Slingshots (glandes) of Caesarian Age - 45 B.C circa'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

The shot (type IIb of the Völling classification) is marked with the abbreviated name of Julius Caesar; it was used in quantity at the Battle of Monda (or Munda) against the last fellows of Pompey, the leaders of the Optimates, on the 17th March 45 BC. Similar shots were used in the Caesar's wars; slingers of Caesar's age were part of the light infantry. Caesar speaks of his Balearic slingers during the conquest of Gaul. They wore a short tunic, with leather or rope sandals to the feet, and a warm overcoat which could also have been used to store projectiles. They also used a satchel to carry very deadly lead-like stones or bullets.