Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1349
Western Asiatic Bronze Spearhead with Decorative Supports and Blood Channels
2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
17 in. (474 grams, 43 cm).
With a long triangular blade, strongly marked midrib divided into five grooves, rectangular-section tang; engraved and reinforced shaft with diagonal and horizontal grooves.
Provenance
Acquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
Literature
Cf. Gernez, G., L’armament en métal au Proche et Moyen-Orient: des origines a 1750 av. J.C., Paris, 2007, fig.2.91, subtype L2 F.a.
Footnotes
This homogeneous subtype (LF 2a of Gernez) is characterised by a set of morphological particularities which constitute a functional and aesthetic outcome. The tapered blade, triangular (like in our case) or ogival, is reinforced by a strong median bulge. The intermediate part often bears an incised or moulded decoration and the base is with a marked widening or with a stopper disc. The tang, square in section, is curved and widens at the end almost at a right angle.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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.
LOT 1349
Western Asiatic Bronze Spearhead with Decorative Supports and Blood Channels
Estimate £400 - 600€460 - 700 (for guidance only)$540 - 810 (for guidance only)
RELATED LOTS
-
Greek Bronze Socketted Spear with Iron Head
12th-10th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
With foliate head and short tubular socketted shaft. 119 grams total, 15 cm
Ex German collection, Cologne, 1980-1990s.
Snodgrass assigns the Athenian iron spearheads to the type A, i.e. spearheads with a leaf-shaped blade, a long socket and a midrib running to the tip. The bronze ones were assigned to typologies C – small, with a leaf-shaped blade (like the present specimen) - and D – with the socket as long as the blade, rounded shoulders and pronounced midrib. Both socket types were beaten round a cylindrical bar, a conservative method to produce bronze sockets even if the head was made of iron. -
100 Civil War Period Lead Musket Balls
Circa 17th-18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Mixed group of lead-alloy musket and carbine balls,some with casting seam and sprue nipple. 1.57 kg total, 9-19 mm
Found Hertfordshire, UK. -
Decorated Star-Shaped Macehead
Eastern European, circa 14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
With short thick triangular spikes, decorated with engraved concentric circles. 85 grams, 53 mm
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 polygonal mace evolved into the hexagonal winged mace. Originating in the east, this weapon spread across Eastern Europe during the 13th century A.D., and from there to the west. The winged mace, used by the western Europeans, was almost certainly based upon Eastern Roman or Islamic prototypes. It is relevant to note that the polygonal mace was widely used by the eastern cavalrymen (like Turkish and Mongols), during the 14th century A.D.
