Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1042
Western Asiatic Paddle-Shaped Axehead
3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
6 1/4 in. (335 grams, 16 cm).
A copper-alloy axehead with roughly lozenge-shaped butt, oblong socket and paddle-shaped cheeks; incised concentric lines following the outline of the butt and flared, projecting knop at the centre. [No Reserve]
Provenance
Early 1990s London collection.
Acquired on the UK art market.
From a private collection, Lancashire, UK.
Literature
See Gernez, G., L’armament en métal au Proche et Moyen-Orient: des origines a 1750 av. J.C., Paris, 2007, fig.2.16, pls.86-88, for the type.
Footnotes
The axe belongs to subtype H2.J.b of the Gernez classification. These axes are characterised by decoration often executed with remarkable care and technical skill. The enlargement and indentation of the back of the collar varies, whilst the shape of the blade is, by contrast, standardised, with divergent rectilinear edges and a straight cutting edge or, more rarely, a rounded cutting edge, as in the example offered here.
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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Khandjar Type Dagger
19th century A.D.Estimate: £180 - 240 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
A very large iron dagger, curved with a thick double edge blade, handle composed of wood and iron, ornately decorated with lozenges, fastened by eight iron flat-headed rivets. 118 grams, 32 cm long
Fine condition.
Private family collection formed in London, mid 1980s to early 1990s.
Among the various Arab dagger groups, the one from North Africa is characterised by rather fine blades made in the Turkish-Persian style. Usually the handles (in wood, ivory and metal) feature a large rounded pommel in the guise of peacock feathers. This type is common in Morocco, Tunisia and all the way to Egypt, and is a type of Khandjar usually called Koummiya or Goummiya (a term later adopted in Spanish as Goumia, to indicate all the short Arab daggers). -
Large Byzantine Silver Archer's Ring
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
A substantial silver archer's ring comprising a hoop with reserved triangular ornament on the edges and triangular plaque with foliage motifs, raised central panel with frond motif. 22.61 grams, 34.77 mm overall, 25.16 mm internal diameter
Acquire in the 1990s. Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.
Archer rings in Late Byzantium and the medieval Balkans were connected with the employment of the powerful composite bow, but very often, in 14th century, they were rank symbol for aristocratic noblemen. Archaeological findings of archers’ rings originate mainly from fortified towns, including mining centres. Many were made in bone, simple in design and undecorated. In contrast, the ones made in bronze and silver were usually decorated in rather uniform style, consisting of floral motifs on the head, mostly tulip and foliage, and linear motifs around the edges. This decoration combined Turkish, Central European and Eastern Roman traditional patterns. -
Luristan Dagger with Mushroom Pommel
13th century B.C.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
A bronze short dagger with double-edged blade, central rib to both sides, a slender fullered handle with a high conical pommel. 491 grams, 41 cm
UK private collection before 2000. UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.
The sword has a solid cast hilt with a straight horizontal guard. However, its main characteristic is the exaggerated mushroom pommel, which resembles the type dated by Moorey to the end of the 2nd millennium B.C. According to some authors, these swords were produced in Northern Iran and dated between 1400-1200 B.C.
