Antiquities

Near East

Lot 677
A Handsome Gangetic Valley Harpoon of Medium Size. Ancient India, Uttar Pradesh, c. 1500-1200 BC. Harpoon of copper, with reinforced triangular blade of medium width on thick cylindrical shaft -- this tapering towards a narrower flattened base. The ends of the heavy blade terminate in longish barbs, with additional backwards-facing barbs symmetrically arranged along the shaft. Piercing at rear most barb for attaching head to handle. A very well preserved example of these scarce tools or weapons, with very fine two-tone green patina. Length: 12-7/8".
Estimated Value $400-UP.
Ex Gangetic "Hoard," sold Sotheby's NY, 9-20/21-85, lot 334. Small hoards of copper objects of this type have been found for the most part in Uttar Pradesh, with additional finds from sites in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, plus finds to the west in Pakistan, e.g. Shalozan, along with findspots further south in Bhagrapir, in Orissa, and at Kallur. This and the following two lots are from the Sotheby group cited. According to Agrawal, harpoons of this type "could have been used for killing fish or big game, as shown in a rock-shelter in Mirzapur"; for type and discussion, cf. pp. 204-207.

Lot 678
A Large and Imposing Gangetic Valley "Antenna Sword." Ancient India, Uttar Pradesh, c. 1500-1200 BC. Sword of cast and wrought copper. The narrow triangular blade having a sharply carinated reinforcing central rib and thickend tip, strengthened for piercing. The blade ends terminating in rounded barbs. The sword's tang of flattened rectangular section, a thick sliver of which has been peeled back to form a very sharp, rounded barb. It is this feature which earns this class of weapon its nickname. A few minor dents along the blade, otherwise with good green patina under cleanable encrustations. Pleasing example, and not often seen. Length: 19-1/8".
Estimated Value $350-UP.
Ex Gangetic "Hoard," sold Sotheby's NY, 9-20/21-85, lot 334.

Lot 679
Lot of Two Bronze Blades -- A Robust Persian Spearhead, and a Slim Indian Harpoon. Luristan, N.W. Iran, & Ancient India, Uttar Pradesh, c. 1500-1200 BC. The two an interesting contrast of blade types. The Indian harpoon of the type seen in the earlier lot, but slimmer and smaller, and comprised of a multi-barbed blade only. This with six paired, symmetrical barbs (one missing where blade was pierced for attaching cord). Behind these, two thick, triangular swellings, one with an additional piercing to take a second cord. The Persian point, c. 1000-800 BC., is comprised of a narrow lanceolate blade, with wide, rounded midrib, and set on a broad and very thick, squarish shaft with flaring protrusions and sharply tapered tang. Blade edges well sharpened. The Indian piece a little bent, but shows overall fairly modest use; with pleasing medium to tan green patina. The Persian Very Fine, with moderate signs of use, and with deep green to dark brown patina. Length of harpoon: 9-3/4". Length of spear point: 14-1/2"; comes with black metal stand. Lot of 2 pieces.
Estimated Value $300-UP.
Harpoon, Ex Gangetic "Hoard," sold Sotheby's NY, 9-20/21-85, lot 334. Good dealer lot.

Lot 680
An Important Dagger, with Royal Inscription. Western Iran, Luristan, c. 1200-1000 BC. Bronze dagger, cast and wrought, of usual form. The blade somewhat lanceolate, with heavy midrib, and long, unworked "throat." The tapered handled, with crescentic pommel, and channeled to accept inlays. These would have been in bone, ivory, or stone, and were held in place by the folded over flaps at the handle's base (only one extant). Inscribed on each side at blade's throat, are two registers of cuneiform inscription. Also, on one side a bisected arch, and an outlined cross on the other. This dagger a well used tool. The blade shows repeated sharpening and some nicks, while two of the handle flaps have worn thin until they fell off. Dagger with good dark green and black patina. Length: 12". Very rare!
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.
Typically, inscribed Luristan daggers would bear the name of the king who would have given the weapon as a gift to a soldier or a member of his private bodyguard. The cross seen on this blade is ethnic emblem typical of Kassite inscriptions and art -- perhaps indicating this blade saw its gifting further west, among the Kassite kingdoms.