Ancient Persian 'Bull's Head' Appliqué. Gold, 0.60 grams, 25.61 mm. Circa 5th Century B.C. A repousse sheet plaque die-formed with the figure of spectacular ceremonial bull's head, having large curled horns, lines of fur incised around the neck and around the head, with the remains of an attachment loop to the rear. Extremely Fine condition. Ex. European collection.

Ancient Persian 'Bull's Head' Appliqué. Gold, 0.60 grams, 25.61 mm. Circa 5th Century B.C. A repousse sheet plaque die-formed with the figure of spectacular ceremonial bull's head, having large curled horns, lines of fur incised around the neck and around the head, with the remains of an attachment loop to the rear. Extremely Fine condition. Ex. European collection. SOLD

The Persian Empire was a series of historical empires that ruled over the Iranian plateau and beyond. The political entity which was ruled by these kingdoms is the country of Iran (literally "Land of Aryans"). Generally, the earliest entity considered a part of the Persian Empire is Persia's Achaemenid dynasty (648-330 BC), a united Aryan-indigenous kingdom that originated in the region now known as Fars Province and was formed under Cyrus the Great.

Ancient Persian 'Spade Shaped' Arrowhead. Copper alloy, 7.30 grams, 58.15 mm. Circa 1st Millennium B.C. A quality arrowhead with a triangular spade shaped blade with tapering shoulders and a raised mid rib to aid penetration. Below the circular collar it has a long tang which would have kept the arrowhead attached to the wooden shaft. Ref: Similar to B7 in A Fine Collection of Ancient and Medieval Arrowhead and Crossbow Bolts by Alan Cherry. Very Fine condition.

Ancient Persian 'Spade Shaped' Arrowhead. Copper alloy, 7.30 grams, 58.15 mm. Circa 1st Millennium B.C. A quality arrowhead with a triangular spade shaped blade with tapering shoulders and a raised mid rib to aid penetration. Below the circular collar it has a long tang which would have kept the arrowhead attached to the wooden shaft. Ref: Similar to B7 in A Fine Collection of Ancient and Medieval Arrowhead and Crossbow Bolts by Alan Cherry. Very Fine condition. SOLD

RARE Ancient Persian 'Leaf Shaped' Arrowhead. Copper alloy, 7.74 grams, 64.92 mm. Circa 1st Millennium B.C. A quality arrowhead with a triangular leaf shaped blade and a raised mid-rib to help penetration that runs the length of the blade and terminates at the tapering shoulders with a long tang which would have kept the arrowhead attached to the wooden shaft. Ref: Similar to B9 in A Fine Collection of Ancient and Medieval Arrowhead and Crossbow Bolts by Alan Cherry. Very Fine condition.

RARE Ancient Persian 'Leaf Shaped' Arrowhead. Copper alloy, 7.74 grams, 64.92 mm. Circa 1st Millennium B.C. A quality arrowhead with a triangular leaf shaped blade and a raised mid-rib to help penetration that runs the length of the blade and terminates at the tapering shoulders with a long tang which would have kept the arrowhead attached to the wooden shaft. Ref: Similar to B9 in A Fine Collection of Ancient and Medieval Arrowhead and Crossbow Bolts by Alan Cherry. Very Fine condition. SOLD

Ancient Persian 'Leaf Shaped' Arrowhead. Copper alloy, 5.90 grams, 58.44 mm. Circa 1st Millennium B.C. A quality arrowhead with a triangular leaf shaped blade with tapering shoulders with a long tang which would have kept the arrowhead attached to the wooden shaft, and a circular rivet hole to keep it attached. Ref: Similar to B9 in A Fine Collection of Ancient and Medieval Arrowhead and Crossbow Bolts by Alan Cherry. Very Fine condition.

Ancient Persian 'Leaf Shaped' Arrowhead. Copper alloy, 5.90 grams, 58.44 mm. Circa 1st Millennium B.C. A quality arrowhead with a triangular leaf shaped blade with tapering shoulders with a long tang which would have kept the arrowhead attached to the wooden shaft, and a circular rivet hole to keep it attached. Ref: Similar to B9 in A Fine Collection of Ancient and Medieval Arrowhead and Crossbow Bolts by Alan Cherry. Very Fine condition. SOLD

Ancient Persian 'Tri-bladed' Arrowhead. Copper alloy, 3.15 grams, 42.80 mm. 8th Century B.C. A Persian arrowhead, adapted from the arrowheads of Greek culture with a barbed tri bladed head with a circular collar, which tapers to a flat tang, which would have kept the arrowhead, attached to the wooden shaft. Ref: Similar to B14 in A Fine Collection of Ancient and Medieval Arrowhead and Crossbow Bolts by Alan Cherry. Very Fine condition.

Ancient Persian 'Tri-bladed' Arrowhead. Copper alloy, 3.15 grams, 42.80 mm. 8th Century B.C. A Persian arrowhead, adapted from the arrowheads of Greek culture with a barbed tri bladed head with a circular collar, which tapers to a flat tang, which would have kept the arrowhead, attached to the wooden shaft. Ref: Similar to B14 in A Fine Collection of Ancient and Medieval Arrowhead and Crossbow Bolts by Alan Cherry. Very Fine condition. SOLD

RARE Ancient Persian 'Leaf Shaped' Arrowhead. Copper alloy, 8.88 grams, 75.88 mm. Circa 1st Millennium B.C. A quality arrowhead with a triangular leaf shaped blade and a raised mid-rib to help penetration that runs the length of the blade and terminates at the tapering shoulders with a long tang which would have kept the arrowhead attached to the wooden shaft. Ref: Similar to B9 in A Fine Collection of Ancient and Medieval Arrowhead and Crossbow Bolts by Alan Cherry. Very Fine condition.

RARE Ancient Persian 'Leaf Shaped' Arrowhead. Copper alloy, 8.88 grams, 75.88 mm. Circa 1st Millennium B.C. A quality arrowhead with a triangular leaf shaped blade and a raised mid-rib to help penetration that runs the length of the blade and terminates at the tapering shoulders with a long tang which would have kept the arrowhead attached to the wooden shaft. Ref: Similar to B9 in A Fine Collection of Ancient and Medieval Arrowhead and Crossbow Bolts by Alan Cherry. Very Fine condition. SOLD

Ancient Persian 'Barbed' Arrowhead. Copper alloy, 19.18 grams, 111.95 mm. 1st Millennium B.C. A large and impressive bronze arrowhead of tall, triangular form with a concave base. The mid rib is very prominent and merges with the flared collar which has the long tang which would have kept the arrowhead attached to the wooden shaft. Ref: Similar to B10 in A Fine Collection of Ancient and Medieval Arrowhead and Crossbow Bolts by Alan Cherry. Very Fine condition.

Ancient Persian 'Barbed' Arrowhead. Copper alloy, 19.18 grams, 111.95 mm. 1st Millennium B.C. A large and impressive bronze arrowhead of tall, triangular form with a concave base. The mid rib is very prominent and merges with the flared collar which has the long tang which would have kept the arrowhead attached to the wooden shaft. Ref: Similar to B10 in A Fine Collection of Ancient and Medieval Arrowhead and Crossbow Bolts by Alan Cherry. Very Fine condition. SOLD

MASTERPIECE: Ancient Persian 'High Status' Long Sword. Copper-Alloy, 840 grams, 27.3 Inches. Circa 1st Millennium B.C. A long elaborately decorated Luristan sword dating back to the Persian Period in the first millennium B.C. This item has an incurving pommel displaying multiple incised line decoration. The long triangular blade measures at 22.7 inches and has numerous blood ridges on each side some starting with 'saw tooth' design merging into the blade; the central ridges merge into a single broad central ridge at the tip. The tang is round and that to is also highly decorated with plaited multiple lines, and above is a geometric crescent decorated with short lines formulating a border around it, which joins the blade and the hilt. Overall high quality manufacture and design, made for a high status individual by a top craftsman. Extremely Fine condition.

MASTERPIECE: Ancient Persian 'High Status' Long Sword

Copper-Alloy, 840 grams, 27.3 Inches. Circa 1st Millennium B.C. A long elaborately decorated Luristan sword dating back to the Persian Period in the first millennium B.C. This item has an incurving pommel displaying multiple incised line decoration. The long triangular blade measures at 22.7 inches and has numerous blood ridges on each side some starting with 'saw tooth' design merging into the blade; the central ridges merge into a single broad central ridge at the tip. The tang is round and that to is also highly decorated with plaited multiple lines, and above is a geometric crescent decorated with short lines formulating a border around it, which joins the blade and the hilt. Overall high quality manufacture and design, made for a high status individual by a top craftsman. Extremely Fine condition. SOLD

Ancient Persia first emerged as a major military power under Cyrus the Great. It's form of warfare was based on massed infantry in light armor to pin the enemy force whilst cavalry deal the killing blow. Cavalry was used in huge numbers and was often heavily armored. Chariots were used in the early days but during the later days of the Persian Empire they were surpassed by horsemen. During the Persian Empire's height, they even possessed War elephants from North Africa and distant India. The elite of the Persian Army were the famous Persian Immortals, a 10,000 strong unit of professional soldiers armed with a spear, a sword and a bow. Archers also formed a major component of the Persian Army. Tactics were simple: Persian commanders simply overran the enemy with massive amounts of infantry and cavalry, while from the rear they would rain arrows down upon the foes in massive volleys. It was said that a Persian arrow volley would blot out the sun. The reason for these massive numbers, were to inspire 'shock and awe'. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers would discourage an enemy and make their surrender almost guaranteed. If the enemy did not surrender, the Persian commander would send in the first wave, which was almost always enough in number to overwhelm any force. If that failed, they sent in the second wave, more troops of higher quality. If that too was unsuccessful, the final wave was sent, spearheaded by the infamous Immortals. These tactics were greatly successful in the Middle East, but when the Persians started to push into the west, against the Greeks. There they were slaughtered by the better trained and more heavily armored Hoplites.

Herodotus described the equipment of the Median and Persian infantry: "They wore soft caps called tiaras, multicoloured sleeved tunics with iron scale Armour looking like the scales of fish, and trousers. Instead of aspides they carried gerrha with their bows cases slung below them. They carried short spears, large bows, cane arrows and daggers hanging from their belts beside the right thigh."

Ancient Persian 'Exotic Bird' Roundel. Pottery, 141.32 mm x 11.49 mm thick. Circa 800 - 600 B.C. A wonderful painted 'roundel' depicting a bird flying right, legs outstretched, with chequer board body, all within a decorated double inner circle. Very Fine condition and Extremely rare.

Ancient Persian 'Exotic Bird' Roundel. Pottery, 141.32 mm x 11.49 mm thick. Circa 800 - 600 B.C. A wonderful painted 'roundel' depicting a bird flying right, legs outstretched, with chequer board body, all within a decorated double inner circle. Very Fine condition and Extremely rare. SOLD

RARE Ancient Persian 'Barbed and Tanged' Arrowhead. Copper alloy, 6.13 grams, 50.20 mm. Circa 1st Millennium B.C. A quality arrowhead with a wide triangular shaped blade and a raised mid-rib to help penetration that runs the length of the blade and terminates at the tapering shoulders with a long tang which would have kept the arrowhead attached to the wooden shaft. Ref: Similar to B11 in A Fine Collection of Ancient and Medieval Arrowhead and Crossbow Bolts by Alan Cherry. Very Fine condition.

RARE Ancient Persian 'Barbed and Tanged' Arrowhead. Copper alloy, 6.13 grams, 50.20 mm. Circa 1st Millennium B.C. A quality arrowhead with a wide triangular shaped blade and a raised mid-rib to help penetration that runs the length of the blade and terminates at the tapering shoulders with a long tang which would have kept the arrowhead attached to the wooden shaft. Ref: Similar to B11 in A Fine Collection of Ancient and Medieval Arrowhead and Crossbow Bolts by Alan Cherry. Very Fine condition. SOLD

Ancient Persian 'Bull's Head' Appliqué. Gold, 0.61 grams, 25.21 mm. Circa 5th Century B.C. A repousse sheet plaque die-formed with the figure of spectacular ceremonial bull's head, having large curled horns, lines of fur around the neck and incised lines around the head, with the remains of an attachment loop to the rear. Extremely Fine condition. Ex. European collection.

Ancient Persian 'Bull's Head' Appliqué. Gold, 0.61 grams, 25.21 mm. Circa 5th Century B.C. A repousse sheet plaque die-formed with the figure of spectacular ceremonial bull's head, having large curled horns, lines of fur around the neck and incised lines around the head, with the remains of an attachment loop to the rear. Extremely Fine condition. Ex. European collection. SOLD

The Persian Empire was a series of historical empires that ruled over the Iranian plateau and beyond. The political entity which was ruled by these kingdoms is the country of Iran (literally "Land of Aryans"). Generally, the earliest entity considered a part of the Persian Empire is Persia's Achaemenid dynasty (648-330 BC), a united Aryan-indigenous kingdom that originated in the region now known as Fars Province and was formed under Cyrus the Great.

Ancient Persian 'Bull's Head' Appliqué. Gold, 1.17 grams, 35.64 mm. Circa 5th Century B.C. A repousse sheet plaque die-formed with the figure of spectacular ceremonial bull's head, having large curled horns, lines of fur incised around the neck and around the head, with the remains of two attachment loops to the rear. Extremely Fine condition. Ex. European collection.

Ancient Persian 'Bull's Head' Appliqué. Gold, 1.17 grams, 35.64 mm. Circa 5th Century B.C. A repousse sheet plaque die-formed with the figure of spectacular ceremonial bull's head, having large curled horns, lines of fur incised around the neck and around the head, with the remains of two attachment loops to the rear. Extremely Fine condition. Ex. European collection. SOLD

The Persian Empire was a series of historical empires that ruled over the Iranian plateau and beyond. The political entity which was ruled by these kingdoms is the country of Iran (literally "Land of Aryans"). Generally, the earliest entity considered a part of the Persian Empire is Persia's Achaemenid dynasty (648-330 BC), a united Aryan-indigenous kingdom that originated in the region now known as Fars Province and was formed under Cyrus the Great.

Ancient Persian 'Military' Arrowhead. Bronze, 24.04 grams; 130.97 mm. Circa 1st Millennium B.C. A very large and impressive arrowhead of tall, triangular form with a concave base. The mid rib is very pronounced and extends down to the middle collar. The tang is rectangular in section. Ref: Ancient and Medieval Arrowheads and Crossbow Bolts by A. Cherry; p 7, No B10. A superb example in exceptional 'as found' condition. Found Luristan.

Ancient Persian 'Military' Arrowhead. Bronze, 24.04 grams; 130.97 mm. Circa 1st Millennium B.C. A very large and impressive arrowhead of tall, triangular form with a concave base. The mid rib is very pronounced and extends down to the middle collar. The tang is rectangular in section. Ref: Ancient and Medieval Arrowheads and Crossbow Bolts by A. Cherry; p 7, No B10. A superb example in exceptional 'as found' condition. Found Luristan. SOLD

Ancient Persia first emerged as a major military power under Cyrus the Great. It's form of warfare was based on massed infantry in light armor to pin the enemy force whilst cavalry deal the killing blow. Cavalry was used in huge numbers and was often heavily armored. Chariots were used in the early days but during the later days of the Persian Empire they were surpassed by horsemen. During the Persian Empire's height, they even possessed War elephants from North Africa and distant India. The elite of the Persian Army were the famous Persian Immortals, a 10,000 strong unit of professional soldiers armed with a spear, a sword and a bow. Archers also formed a major component of the Persian Army. Tactics were simple: Persian commanders simply overran the enemy with massive amounts of infantry and cavalry, while from the rear they would rain arrows down upon the foes in massive volleys. It was said that a Persian arrow volley would blot out the sun. The reason for these massive numbers, were to inspire 'shock and awe'. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers would discourage an enemy and make their surrender almost guaranteed. If the enemy did not surrender, the Persian commander would send in the first wave, which was almost always enough in number to overwhelm any force. If that failed, they sent in the second wave, more troops of higher quality. If that too was unsuccessful, the final wave was sent, spearheaded by the infamous Immortals. These tactics were greatly successful in the Middle East, but when the Persians started to push into the west, against the Greeks. There they were slaughtered by the better trained and more heavily armored Hoplites.

Herodotus described the equipment of the Median and Persian infantry: "They wore soft caps called tiaras, multicoloured sleeved tunics with iron scale Armour looking like the scales of fish, and trousers. Instead of aspides they carried gerrha with their bows cases slung below them. They carried short spears, large bows, cane arrows and daggers hanging from their belts beside the right thigh."

Ancient Persian 'Leaf Shaped' Arrowhead. Copper alloy, 12.35 grams, 103.16 mm. Circa 800 B.C A Bronze Age Luristan arrowhead. It has a leaf shaped blade, the thick ridge runs from the sharp tapered point to the long tang, which would have been contained by a wooden shaft. Very Fine condition. Similar to example B7 in A Fine Collection of Ancient and Medieval Arrowheads and Crossbow Bolts by Alan Cherry.

Ancient Persian 'Leaf Shaped' Arrowhead. Copper alloy, 12.35 grams, 103.16 mm. Circa 800 B.C A Bronze Age Luristan arrowhead. It has a leaf shaped blade, the thick ridge runs from the sharp tapered point to the long tang, which would have been contained by a wooden shaft. Very Fine condition. Similar to example B7 in A Fine Collection of Ancient and Medieval Arrowheads and Crossbow Bolts by Alan Cherry. SOLD

Ancient Persia first emerged as a major military power under Cyrus the Great. It's form of warfare was based on massed infantry in light armor to pin the enemy force whilst cavalry deal the killing blow. Cavalry was used in huge numbers and was often heavily armored. Chariots were used in the early days but during the later days of the Persian Empire they were surpassed by horsemen. During the Persian Empire's height, they even possessed War elephants from North Africa and distant India. The elite of the Persian Army were the famous Persian Immortals, a 10,000 strong unit of professional soldiers armed with a spear, a sword and a bow. Archers also formed a major component of the Persian Army. Tactics were simple: Persian commanders simply overran the enemy with massive amounts of infantry and cavalry, while from the rear they would rain arrows down upon the foes in massive volleys. It was said that a Persian arrow volley would blot out the sun. The reason for these massive numbers, were to inspire 'shock and awe'. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers would discourage an enemy and make their surrender almost guaranteed. If the enemy did not surrender, the Persian commander would send in the first wave, which was almost always enough in number to overwhelm any force. If that failed, they sent in the second wave, more troops of higher quality. If that too was unsuccessful, the final wave was sent, spearheaded by the infamous Immortals. These tactics were greatly successful in the Middle East, but when the Persians started to push into the west, against the Greeks. There they were slaughtered by the better trained and more heavily armored Hoplites.

Herodotus described the equipment of the Median and Persian infantry: "They wore soft caps called tiaras, multicoloured sleeved tunics with iron scale Armour looking like the scales of fish, and trousers. Instead of aspides they carried gerrha with their bows cases slung below them. They carried short spears, large bows, cane arrows and daggers hanging from their belts beside the right thigh."

Ancient Persian 'Leaf Shaped' Arrowhead. Copper alloy, 8.02 grams, 88.69 mm. Circa 8th Century B.C. A beautiful Persian arrowhead, the blade is a leaf shape with a bi convex section. This arrowhead has a circular collar with a long tapering tang. Very Fine condition. Similar to example B13 in A Fine Collection of Ancient and Medieval Arrowheads and Crossbow Bolts by Alan Cherry.

Ancient Persian 'Leaf Shaped' Arrowhead. Copper alloy, 8.02 grams, 88.69 mm. Circa 8th Century B.C. A beautiful Persian arrowhead, the blade is a leaf shape with a bi convex section. This arrowhead has a circular collar with a long tapering tang. Very Fine condition. Similar to example B13 in A Fine Collection of Ancient and Medieval Arrowheads and Crossbow Bolts by Alan Cherry. SOLD

Ancient Persia first emerged as a major military power under Cyrus the Great. It's form of warfare was based on massed infantry in light armor to pin the enemy force whilst cavalry deal the killing blow. Cavalry was used in huge numbers and was often heavily armored. Chariots were used in the early days but during the later days of the Persian Empire they were surpassed by horsemen. During the Persian Empire's height, they even possessed War elephants from North Africa and distant India. The elite of the Persian Army were the famous Persian Immortals, a 10,000 strong unit of professional soldiers armed with a spear, a sword and a bow. Archers also formed a major component of the Persian Army. Tactics were simple: Persian commanders simply overran the enemy with massive amounts of infantry and cavalry, while from the rear they would rain arrows down upon the foes in massive volleys. It was said that a Persian arrow volley would blot out the sun. The reason for these massive numbers, were to inspire 'shock and awe'. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers would discourage an enemy and make their surrender almost guaranteed. If the enemy did not surrender, the Persian commander would send in the first wave, which was almost always enough in number to overwhelm any force. If that failed, they sent in the second wave, more troops of higher quality. If that too was unsuccessful, the final wave was sent, spearheaded by the infamous Immortals. These tactics were greatly successful in the Middle East, but when the Persians started to push into the west, against the Greeks. There they were slaughtered by the better trained and more heavily armored Hoplites.

Herodotus described the equipment of the Median and Persian infantry: "They wore soft caps called tiaras, multicoloured sleeved tunics with iron scale Armour looking like the scales of fish, and trousers. Instead of aspides they carried gerrha with their bows cases slung below them. They carried short spears, large bows, cane arrows and daggers hanging from their belts beside the right thigh."