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LOT 1419
Western Asiatic Bronze Flat Axe
4TH MILLENNIUM B.C.
7 1/4 in. (138 grams, 18.5 cm).
Formed with a rounded butt and slightly flared cutting edge; flat in cross-section.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
Cf. Çetin, A., Bilgi, Ö., Weapons of the Protohistoric Age, Istanbul, 1989, figs.21-22, pp.50-51.
FootnotesThis type of flat axes appeared in the last phase of the Late Chalcolithic Age. Flat axes without lugs were used as cutting tools or in war. In the later examples the sides of the blades was gradually widening towards the convex cutting edge.
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LOT 1419
Western Asiatic Bronze Flat Axe
Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)
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Medieval Iron Axehead
15th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
With square butt, scooped underside and a flared blade. 1.04 kg, 16 cm
Acquired on the UK market before 1992. Ex property of a North London gentleman. -
Bactrian Bronze Claw Axehead-Mace
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Egg-shaped with spiked sleeves or prongs, the top of the weapon with a narrow edge, the sleeves with small internal tangs for mounting. 127 grams, 10.1 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The 'claw mace' was an enigmatic ancient bronze weapon from the Bronze Age Near East. The hollow bulbous head was trailed by tines of varying lengths. It is believed that it was affixed over a wooden shaft and used like a club in combat, and not necessarily used as ceremonial weapon. The knife edge bulb end could have broken bones and proven to be a formidable striking weapon requiring no skill to wield. The tines would have not only been decorative, but have served to add strength below the striking end to prevent breakage. In battle, maces were often used by commanders to display rank when giving orders in battle and leading soldiers, inspiring leadership and power. -
Large Marlik Type Bronze Socketted Spearhead with Blood Channels
14th-10th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £211
Comprising a triangular blade with prominent midrib, long split socket with two piercings for attachment and lower part decorated by horizontal circular grooves. 336 grams, 48 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
According to Khorasani, this spearhead belongs to the type VIII of his classification, characterised by a well-projecting midrib and long folded socket. The triangular blade is related to the subtype 2. Similar spearhead was excavated by Dr Negahban in the Royal Cemetery of Marlik (tomb 2, trench III D).