Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead Group

With central socket and shaft; cutting blade set vertically at a right-angle; the short pick-adze blade arranged horizontally. 1.43 kg, 26 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

The earliest axes-adzes from the 3rd millennium B.C. were weapons and tools furnished with socket holes. Usually the socket is a more secure way of attaching the object to a wooden haft than having a tang. These weapons developed into a plethora of different forms in the 2nd millennium B.C., and the numerous new forms and were used until at least 800 B.C.

With heavy penannular rib, tapering triangular blade and round shoulders, flanged hilt with straight grip, widening to a fan-shaped pommel; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 554 grams total, 35 cm (37.5 cm including stand)



Ex P.A., Hertfordshire, UK, specialist collection of Greek art, 1980-1990s.

These short daggers and dirks were mainly cast in one piece, and especially the penannular rib was cast on at the same time with handle and blade according to Medvedskaya. On the contrary, Moorey said that the penannular rib was later cast on the dirk, possibly to strengthen a weak point at the junction of hilt and blade.

Each with a broader scooped edge tapering to a volute flourish, pellets adorning the perimeter, three medial circular dimples, fourth dimple to the scrolled end, against a field of foliate scrolls and niello fill; each with a set of mounting lugs to the reverse. 25.7 grams total, 40-41 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Ex an important central London gallery, London W1.

Similar plaques have been found in the burial graves of Mongol commanders and their wives, probably once part of a waist belt from which the sabre and other weapons were hanging. They were found together with arms, unique elements of the costume of fabric and leather, and splendid jewellery of gold and silver.