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LOT 2012
'Battle of Omdurman' Ham-Stringing Beja Knife
SUDAN, LATE 19TH CENTURY A.D.
10 in. (140 grams, 25.6 cm).
With traditional X-shaped carved wooden hilt, narrow two-edged blade with hooked end for slicing; old collector's label 'Hamstringing Sudanese curved knife for slashing at horses' hocks. Probably from battle of Omdurman Sept. 2nd 1898'. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 2012
'Battle of Omdurman' Ham-Stringing Beja Knife
Estimate £60 - 80€70 - 93 (for guidance only)$81 - 108 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
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Beja or Hadendoa Curved Dagger with Crocodile-Head Sheath
Sudan, late 19th-early 20th century A.D.Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Comprising a thin two-edged blade with curved tip and X-shaped wooden hilt with rounded fluting; leather sheath with moulded detailing and stamped roundels adorned with the preserved head of a crocodile placed vertically at the top as if the dagger were between its jaws. 190 grams, 27.5 cm
From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s. -
Viking Age Iron Long-Bladed Socketted Axehead
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
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. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £70 - 90 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
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.
