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LOT 1061
Viking Age Iron Bearded Axehead
9TH CENTURY A.D.
5 in. (359 grams, 12.4 cm).
Hand-forged with triangular-section narrow blade widening to a broad bevelled edge with square chin, socket with lateral flanges and rounded panel to the rear. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
LiteratureCf. Thunmark-Nylén, L., Die Wikingerzeit Gotlands I.: Abbildungen der Graubfunde, Stockholm, 1992, pl.13, item 14.
FootnotesThe axe seems to belong to the typology of Viking side axes of Wheeler type B (Wheeler III / Rygh 559). Usually these bearded axeheads (skeggöks) had a longer edge, designed to split tree trunks into planks and beams, or heads in two parts. Some of the bearded axes were known as halfÞynna öx, the neck on such 'half thin axe' was thinly forged, to make it lighter.
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Roman Inscribed Lead Slingshot Group
17 March 45 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Comprising four scaphoid lead slingshots (glandes), each with traces of low-relief inscription(s) referring to 'CN P[OMPEIUS]'. 216 grams total, 37-50 mm
Ex M.Cummings, UK, 1990s.
These shots (mainly of type IIb of the Völling classification) are marked with the abbreviated name of Cn.Pompeius; they were used in quantity at the Battle of Monda (or Munda) against the Caesarian troops, by the followers of Pompey, on 17th March 45 B.C. Similar missiles were used in the civil war between Pompey and Caesar, and in all Caesar's wars. The projectiles of the slingers could be in lead (glandes) or in pottery or stone (lapides). Sometimes they were signed with the name of the general, or used to report some injuries, for example the sling missile found in Alesia with the name of Labienus. -
Elamite Ceremonial Axe with Silver Sleeve
3rd-2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £12,000 - 17,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £6,000
With later sheet-silver sleeve to the shaft, attached with ball-headed rivets; gilt dome finial to each end, the lower one in a gusseted collar. 750 grams, 45.5 cm
Acquired in 1996. Ex Samad Khameneh collection. Private Swiss collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11647-199005.
The axe belongs typologically to Type 4 of Maxwell-Hyslop’s classification, with a long and thin shaft narrowing towards the base. When technical developments resulted in heavier axe-blades, it was necessary to prolong the socket into a shaft tube and to cut away the underside of the blade where it joined the shaft. The edge of the blade was curved and this shifted the point of impact of the cutting edge. -
Large Luristan Arrowhead with Stand
14th-11th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
With triangular blade, having a barbed deltoid shape and a rounded projecting midrib tapering towards the sharp point, cylindrical stem and rectangular sectioned tang: accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 36 grams, 21.5 cm (140 grams total, 22.5 cm high including stand)
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
According to Khorasani, this type of arrowhead belongs to a subcategory of the category of type V of Luristan arrow points. In the four categories of triangular bronze arrowheads from Luristan, Marlik and Northern Iran individuated by Negahban, subtypes C and D of type V are larger arrow or javelin heads, C with barbed shoulders and D with round shoulders.
