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LOT 1073
Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead Group
13TH-6TH CENTURY B.C.
5 1/2 - 6 1/8 in. (129 grams total, 14-15.5 cm).
Comprising four large triangular-shaped arrowheads, each with a raised midrib. [4]
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
See for similar arrowheads Muscarella, O.W., Bronze and Iron Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York,1988, pp.289ff.
FootnotesAlthough different in shape, these four heads are apparently related types of a polythetic group. There are represented two basic deltoid forms: one has a sharp, flat blade, the ends of which extend to form wings or barbs, and a prominent midrib extending into a long tang that often has a stop; the blade shape varies from deltoid to more manifestly triangular. The other form has no barbs, but it has a prominent midrib extending to the tang, it is narrow and leaf shaped.
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Greek Fragmentary Bronze Pilos Helmet
5th-4th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,015
Conical in shape, comprising a thick hammered bowl and broad rim with carination to the upper edge; remains of crest at brow and rear; a restoration project. 951 grams total, 1-24.5 cm
Ex Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, Germany [1944-2001]. with Hermann Historica, 13 October 2010, lot 2169 [Part].
This type of helmet (called ‘bell-helmet’ by Connolly, 1981, p.70), named pilos after the Greek felt cap (in the Laconian shape, but distinguished from the cap by the noticeable point and the shape of the rim), had a conical shape and was pointed or rounded at the top. Its introduction was linked with the streamlining of Hoplite equipment, and it soon the replaced the closed Corinthian helmet. The helmet was widespread in the Greek and Mediterranean world from the last quarter of the 5th century B.C. and was widely used by continental Greeks, South Italian Greeks and Italic people, Etruscans, and even Romans. -
Luristan Bronze Dirk
Circa 11th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
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. -
Medieval Iron Anti-Cavalry Caltrop Pair
11th-14th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Each with four arms tipped with triangular spikes. 33 grams total, 62-64 mm
Acquired on the German art market before 2000. Property of a Surrey, UK, collector.
Caltrops were scattered on battlefields in an effort to stop or slow advancing enemy cavalry or foot soldiers; regardless of how a caltrop lands, one spike is always facing upwards. Caesar used widely them at Alesia (Caes., BG 7.73; 82): 'Stakes a foot long, with iron hooks attached to them, were entirely sunk in the ground before these, and were planted in every place at small intervals; these they called spurs'.
