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LOT 1179
Viking Iron Bearded Axehead
10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
5 3/4 in. (563 grams, 14.6 cm).
Featuring a sub-triangular socket, rectangular butt and bearded head with convex cutting edge. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
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 Bronze Arrowhead Group
12th-10th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Comprising seventeen tanged arrowheads, the most of them having large elongated triangular blades and raised midrib, sharp central groove, cylindrical or squared stem for the shaft, barbed shoulders and convex sides; one with lanceolate head and rounded shoulders with long tang and foliate section; another narrow and foliate in shape. 126 grams total, 43-76 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
These arrowheads seem to belong to the type V, subcategory types A, C and D according to the classification of Khorasani and Negahban. 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. Subtype A is substantially similar to C, but smaller. -
Chinese Style Bronze Ceremonial Halberd Sceptre Head
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £29
The leaf-shaped head displaying sinuous openwork animals on either side, rectangular collar with etched ornament, possibly a nameplate, repeated on both faces, a feline to one side and a flat-section arrow to the other, tubular socket below. 293 grams, 28 cm
Acquired in Germany. Property of RWM Collection.
During the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.), Chinese warfare evolved. Kings and princes were replaced on the battlefield by infantries lead by military generals. New arms and armour were invented, including the halberd and crossbow. This sceptre head has a spearhead finial that features an openwork motif that is both decorative as well as functional, since it decreases the weight of the bronze, making the spear cheaper to produce and lighter to use. -
Byzantine Iron Horse Bit
14th-16th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £111
Composed of arched openwork shanks with looped terminals; one end fitted with large hoops and bar between; one end with a tripartite mouthpiece comprising two collared bars connected by a central hoop; Byzantine or early Ottoman. 340 grams, 19.5 cm
Fine condition.
Collection of Dr. Hanns-Ulrich Haedeke (1928-2017), author of ‘Schmuck Aus Drei Jahrtausenden’ and who became the director of the Museum of Klingenmuseum in Solingen, Germany, in 1968; the collection was formed in the early 1960s. From an important private Dutch collection.
This type of horse bit is visible on one of the most important equestrian artworks of the 15th century - the Cappella dei Magi by Benozzo Gozzoli, a painting representing the Three Kings visiting Christ, depicted in costumes belonging to the early quarter of 15th century. All the cavalrymen in the artwork had heavy curb-bits (with short and curved shanks, as in our specimen) and heavy, single reins.
