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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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AUCTIONS:
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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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Western Asiatic Tanged Bronze Spearhead
Late 3rd-early 2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Having foliate blade with central rib and slender shoulders, cylindrical short shaft encasing a rectangular tang with a bent end. 151 grams, 26.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
This variant is characterised by a blade of rhomboidal or swollen section, an intermediate part often short widened so as to form a clear stop and a curved bristle at its end, sometimes finished in a button. Most lances are of medium dimensions (23 cm to 36 cm), others are very elongated (more than 50 cm). The best parallels come from Tepe Hissar. Elements of handles found nearby the spearheads in the excavations have made it possible to reconstruct the total length of the weapon (1.40 m). -
Luristan Sara-Gorz Bronze Macehead
Circa 2000-1300 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
With long tubular shank and four hefty bulbs surrounding the shaft. 456 grams, 22.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. Accompanied by an earlier catalogue identification card.
This rare and unusual mace finds parallels with similar pieces published by Slotta, Vatandust, and Moorey. The dating varies between 21st and 14th century B.C. Western Iranian maces, especially the Luristan ones, were notable for the variety of different forms. According to Dr D. Nicolle the gorz or mace was primarily used as an armour breaking weapon since ancient times, and was very common on the Iranian plateau. -
Luristan Bronze Dirk
13th-12th century B.C. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £169
Or a dagger with raised flanges to the grip, possibly to accept organic inserts fastened with three nails still in situ (?); later added cuneiform-like inscription and Babylonian Tiamat lion engraved to the blade below the grip on one face. 284 grams, 40.5 cm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
The dirk belongs to Type IIIa bronze dirks of the Medveskaya classification. It was cast in one piece (hilt and blade).
