Loading, please wait...
LOT 1799
Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead Collection
2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
3 3 5/8 - 4 7/8 in. (205 grams total, 9.1-12.3 cm).
Comprising tanged arrowheads, seven with large elongated triangular blades and raised midrib, sharp central groove, two with barbed shoulders and cylindrical stem with handle for the shaft. [9]
ProvenanceLondon, UK, collection, 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Mahboubian, H., Art of the Ancient Iran, London, 1997, no.390, for some similar arrowheads; Khorasani, M.M., Arms and Armour from Iran. The Bronze Age to the End of the Qajar Period, Tübingen, 2006, figures 463, 467, for some of these types.
FootnotesThese arrowheads seem to belong to the type V, subcategories 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. Most of them were cast in moulds.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Ovoid in profile with domed filler hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 370 grams, 10.4 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.
Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Spear Blade
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Comprising a triangular blade with a broad midrib, a short neck and a square-section tang with a bent finial. 309 grams, 32.6 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s. -
Luristan Bronze Socketted Axehead
3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Circular socket and a slender triangular-section blade with a curving cutting edge. 691 grams, 15 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
This is an example of socketted axes with plano-convex blade, variant H2Cd of Gernez classification. Unadorned weapons, especially axes, adzes and picks, were made by Luristan craftsmen using simple clay or stone bivalve moulds. Typically, the metallic composition consisted of a combination of arsenical bronze and copper, together with a small percentage of lead.
