Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History, Stamps & Coins

Two-edged triangular blade with a thick median rib, crescentic pennannular guard; grip with integral pommel, socket to each face to accept a bone inlay. 340 grams, 38.5 cm



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

These bronze daggers or dirks, typical of Marlik culture, were cast in a one-piece mould according to Negahban, although in some specimens the penannular guard was cast later into the blade. The separate sets of encircling ribs on the grips are again typical of swords from the Marlik area.

Broad triangular blade with slightly raised midrib and a short, pierced tang. 213 grams, 33.6 cm



Ex Abelita collection, 1980s-2010.

Biconical in profile, one face decorated with a lance tip above the Greek inscription 'EPMAPXOY'. 34.1 grams, 30 mm



From a German private collection, formed since the 1980s.

This is an important lead sling bullet; the previously unknown general Hermarchos is attested for the first time.

Formed as a leaf-shaped blade with raised ribs on both sides, pierced through the tang. 41 grams, 12.2 cm



From an ancient art collection, formerly acquired in the UK, European, and USA art markets from pre-2000 collections. Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman.

Bulbous body with rounded base and domed filler hole, two circumferential bands above the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 760 grams, 11.6 cm



Ex important collection of weaponry, London, UK, 1980-1990s. 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.

Slender blade with a raised midrib and flat-section tang with attachment hole. 222 grams, 33.9 cm



Ex Abelita collection, 1980-2010.

Comprising a triangular two-edged blade with thick midrib running to the tip, carved wooden hilt with median band of horizontal ribbing, integral crossguard and pommel with a domed button; leather sheath with braided leather thong forming a thick suspension loop and leather-covered knop forming a chape. 136 grams, 24.5 cm



From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s.

1822 pattern sword comprising a nearly straight slender blade with a lozenge-section tip and shallow fuller, swept 'Gothic' guard with 'VR' monogram in escutcheon; sharkskin cover to the grip; blade with etched tendrils to the fuller, crown over 'VR' monogram on one face and 'JEP' beneath crest on the other; ricasso with maker's name 'Henry Wilkinson, pall mall'; lentoid section scabbard with chape and suspension rings; old collector's handwritten label 'John Ernest Pierson, born Settle, Yorks., son of Revd William Frederick Pierson, 1858; 2nd Lt, 1st batt., Royal Sussex 18.8.79; Lt 2.10.80; Capt. 18.4.85; Major 18.3.96; retired 1902, died 1912, sword issued by Wilkinson, 22.9.7.1879; Present at surrender of Kafr-el-Dower; occupation of Damanhur; Transport Officer, 1st Batt., Nile 1884-5, Desert Column.' 1.41 kg, 99.5 cm



From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s.

Featuring a rounded cutting edge and a long neck, a round socket with four lateral extensions. 397 grams, 18.9 cm



Acquired on the UK art market since the 1960s. From the private collection of Mr J.P.H., a Woolwich, UK, collector, his collection formed since the 1960s.

Triangular in section with radiating cutting edges and a slender point, cylindrical socket; mounted in a display frame. 229 grams total, case: 13.1 x 13.1 cm; arrow: 10.5cm



Acquired in the UK in the 1990s. From the private collection of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

Comprising fifteen tanged arrowheads, four with elongated triangular blades and raised midrib, two of squared type with flat tang, three with barbed shoulders and short cylindrical stem with handle for the shaft; two with squared shoulders and rectangular stem with handle for the shaft, one with leafed elongated blade, one with wide triangular head and long handle for the shaft, and other two long and spiked with raised midrib. 240 grams total, 7.1-16.5 cm



London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Some of the arrowheads belong to type V of the Khorasani classification: subtype D (triangular arrowheads with rounded or angular midrib) and subtype C, arrowheads with elongated, triangular shape with barbed shoulders and convex sides, and a raised midrib with a sharp central line.

Mixed group of tanged arrowheads, one a swallowtail type. 72 grams total, 6.8-14.9 cm



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