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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).
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
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Viking Age Iron Long Bearded Axehead
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
With broad curved blade and short spur beneath the chin, narrow neck, deep socket with extended edge to the reverse. 740 grams, 18 cm
From the collection of a Californian, USA, gentleman, dating back to the late 1960s.
The axe seems to be a variation of type IV of the Kirpichnikov classification of the Eastern Rus Axes typology. These axes appeared in the 10th century, and continued in the 10th-11th century. -
Viking Iron Bearded Axehead
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
With scooped socket flanked by lateral wings, broad blade with chin and spur to the lower edge; possibly Baltic workmanship. 470 grams, 15 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. -
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.
