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LOT 1433
Very Large Tanged Bronze Spear
1900-1650 B.C.
28 3/4 in. (1.06 kg, 73 cm).
Each side rising to a pointed ridge, curved tang for attaching to a shaft. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000.
From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
Cf. Comstock, M., Vermeule Cornelius, Greek, Etruscan & Roman Bronzes in the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, New York, 1971, p.397, no. 555, for similar; D'Amato, R., Salimbeti, A., Early Aegean Warrior 5000-1450 BC, Oxford, 2013, p.13, for similar specimens in the British Museum; cf. also Gernez, G., L’armament en métal au Proche et Moyen-Orient: des origines a 1750 av. J.C., Paris, 2007, fig.2.81, p.284.
FootnotesThe characteristic point is the hooked tang, the end of which was fitted with a button. The spear was inserted into a wooden barrel and then held in place with a series of leather laces (Gernez, 2007, p.312).
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Decorated Star-Shaped Macehead
Eastern European, circa 14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
With short thick triangular spikes, decorated with engraved concentric circles. 85 grams, 53 mm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
The polygonal mace evolved into the hexagonal winged mace. Originating in the east, this weapon spread across Eastern Europe during the 13th century A.D., and from there to the west. The winged mace, used by the western Europeans, was almost certainly based upon Eastern Roman or Islamic prototypes. It is relevant to note that the polygonal mace was widely used by the eastern cavalrymen (like Turkish and Mongols), during the 14th century A.D. -
North-Western Persian Bronze Sword Blade with Horns
Circa 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
With curved 'horns' projecting on either side at the top of the waisted grip, blade with flat mid-rib. 325 grams, 51 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The Luristani 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 B.C. According to Khorasani 'A culture of innovation and experimentation flourished, and the repertoire of the Luristan smiths expanded in the period between 1150-1050 B.C.' -
Western Asiatic Bronze Flat Axe
4th millennium B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Formed with a rounded butt and slightly flared cutting edge; flat in cross-section. 138 grams, 18.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
This type of flat axes appeared in the last phase of the Late Chalcolithic Age. Flat axes without lugs were used as cutting tools or in war. In the later examples the sides of the blades was gradually widening towards the convex cutting edge.
