Loading, please wait...
LOT 1487
Western Asiatic Bronze Blade Collection
EARLY 1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
6 7/8 - 8 7/8 in. (528 grams total, 17.5-22.6 cm).
Including four with tapering blades with broad flattened mid-ribs and rounded shoulders, tapered squared section tangs, two with tang pierced at tip; a similar blade with the tang bent at the tip; one spearhead with foliate blade and raised mid-rib; a short dagger with leaf-shaped blade and long rectangular-section tang. [7]
ProvenanceEx London collection, formed 1990-2000.
LiteratureCf. Christie's, The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, part 1, London, 2002, items 31, p.34, for similar blades.
FootnotesMoorey, Gordon and Khorasani created a classification of bladed weapons, according to which daggers are edged weapons no greater than 36cm in length, dirks (short swords) are between 36cm and 50cm in length, and swords are edged weapons greater than 50cm in length.
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.
-
Luristan Bronze Arrowhead Collection
Circa 2nd millennium B.C.-9th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Including triangular, leaf-shaped, barbed, square-section, and other types. 446 grams total, 10-17.5 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.
It is significant to remember that the use of winged and barbed heads in Anatolia was common since the second millennium B.C., but apparently their employment began earlier in this area, where types like these occur alongside the non-barbed, predominantly ribbed and tanged types. -
Medieval Iron Spur with Rowel
Circa 14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Comprising a U-shaped shank with carinated outer face, locket to each finial, ball and curved arms supporting a seven-pointed rowel. 70 grams, 13.5 cm
Private collection, UK, formed 1980s-1990s. -
Iron Age Celtic Iron Spearhead Display
Circa 2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Comprising two spearheads, each with a split socket and leaf-shaped blade, shallow midribs. 429 grams total, spearheads: 21-28.5 cm
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
In the Celtic world the spear was the primary weapon and symbol of a warrior. The Greek historian Strabo comments that the Celts carried two types of spear: a larger, heavier one for thrusting; and a smaller, lighter javelin that could be both thrown and used at closed quarters.
