Comprising tanged arrowheads, four with large elongated triangular blades and raised midrib, sharp central groove, one triangular type with barbed shoulders and flat socket, one with barbed shoulders and cylindrical stem with handle for the shaft; four with squared shoulders and rectangular stem with handle for the shaft, one with trilobate blade, two with barbed shoulder and flat tang, one with short pyramidal head and cylindrical stem, and another with short tang and long blade with raised midrib. 384 grams total, 5.8-15.7 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

These arrowheads seem to belong to the type V, subcategory types A, B, C and D according to the classification of Khorasani and Negahban. In the four categories of triangular bronze arrowheads from Luristan, Marlik, and Northern Iran, individuated by Negahban, subtypes C and D of type V are larger arrow or javelin heads, C with barbed shoulders and D with round shoulders. Most of them were cast in moulds.

With corrugated raised midrib extending to a short tang, fullers with curved ends extending to the shoulders. 345 grams, 47.5 cm



Ex Abelita family collection, 1990s.

Broad two-edged iron blade with midrib, narrow grip with flared pommel and inlaid yellow-metal floral ornament. 250 grams, 34.5 cm



Private collection, UK.

Socketted type with three radiating narrow flanges, some barbed. 22 grams total, 22-38 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Blade widened at the base, ribbed, conical socket with wooden remains. 277 grams total, 43 cm including stand (lance 25.8 cm)



From the famous arms and armour collection of Axel Guttmann (1944-2001), Berlin, Germany. Ex Hermann Historica, Munich, Germany, 4 May 2011, no.1783 (lot). From a private specialist collection, London, UK. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Hermann Historica catalogue pages.

The spear finds an almost identical parallel in two spearheads from Lavello, found associated with a Corinthian helmet and a sword, as part of Burial objects, dating back to around the middle of the 6th century BC. This type of hoplite weaponry was used by individual warriors, who, in Daunia (South Italic Apulia), while adopting Greek models, fought on horseback, according to a fighting style centred on the heroic duel between leaders.

Mainly barbed and tanged types of slender profile. 287 grams total, 6.2-17.7 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Ovoid in profile with a rounded base, a circumferential band around the neck; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 650 grams, 11.8 cm



From a specialist collection, London, UK, 1990-2000s. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.

Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια, where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.

Triangular blade with single median rib, crescent-shaped hollow pommel open at the edges to accept an organic insert, columnar grip and lower guard at the juncture between hilt and blade. 499 grams, 50 cm



Ex Norri collection, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, UK, 1980s-1990s.

Piriform in profile with a domed mouth and stepped neck, raised vertical lugs on the body, linear decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 511 grams, 15.4 cm



From a specialist collection, London, UK, 1990-2000s.

Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια, where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.

With ribbed openwork socket terminating in a butt formed of four cones, the blade expanding from the socket. 400 grams, 21 cm



From a London collection, early 2000s.

Small and biconical in profile with narrow point; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 89 grams, 67 mm



From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.

Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.

Comprising: tapering wooden shaft with circumferential grooves; iron twibill head with two-part flat socket riveted to two crescent blades, each with punched rectangular slots and holes, butted rings to the inner angles. 450 grams, 56.5 cm



Property of a Berkshire, UK, gentleman collector.