Large Luristan Comb-Backed Axehead. Late 2nd-early 1st millennium B.C. A substantial bronze halberd-shaped axehead with long, narrow, subtriangular blade projecting from a flange, cutaway section at the base and a knob formed as a griffin head at the top of the flange, the shaft with five projecting ribs; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. Cf. Muscarella, O.W., Bronze and Iron Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1988, p.98, fig.161. 540 grams, 31.5 cm long (872 grams total, 38 cm high including stand) (12 3/8 in. (15 in.) Acquired in Iran 1967. Property of a central London gentleman. This axe type is known from an example excavated in Marlik from Dr.Negahban in grave 26, and another from Kurvin. Various examples, held in in private collections, also have an animal head added to the outside of the blade. The cutaway and knob were intended to hold organic thongs that helped secure the blade to the shaft.

Fine condition.