Loading, please wait...
LOT 1083
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
4 3/4 in. (594 grams, 12 cm).
Pear-shaped ceramic vessel with domed filler-hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx London, UK, collection, 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'.
Cf. Arendt, W. I., Granaten des 13-14. Jahrhunderts, die an der Wolga gefunden sind, Zeitschrift fur Historische Waffen-und Kostumkunde, 11 (1926-8), p.42; cf. Arendt, W., Die Spharisch-konischen Gefasse aus Gebranntem Ton, ibid; cf. Ayalon, D., Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p.16.
FootnotesApart 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. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 1083
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
-
Neo-Assyrian 'Axel Guttmann' Bronze Belt Section Group
9th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
Comprising two belt sections, each perforated around the edges for attachment: one with a repoussé display of alternating lions leaping towards warriors on horseback, leaping horned bulls and archers standing in horse-drawn war chariot; one fragment with articulate loop; the other folding over on itself, with repoussé display of helmetted warriors on horseback, alternating with warriors driving horse-drawn chariots; Urartian or Assyrian. 845 grams total, 30.5-35 cm
Ex Axel Guttmann collection, with reference no.AG R 244. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11760-203204. -
.jpg)
Post Medieval Iron Socketted Spearhead
18th-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Composed of a tapering tubular socket and short triangular blade. 158 grams, 28.5 cm
Fair condition.
Acquired on the UK art market before 1980. Private British collection 1980. Private collection of a Devonshire, UK, collector. -
Iron Age Celtic La Tene Dagger
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Featuring a gently curved single-edged iron blade and one-sided fuller, curved handle with knot pommel; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 525 grams total, 35 cm high including stand
Dutch art market. Private collection of K.S., Cologne, Germany, acquired 1996.
One of the military insignia of a Celtic warrior was the war-knife, usually between 33 and 35 cm long. For example, in the collection of Celtic military equipment from Galish-Lovachka, the archaeologists have found a short sword with an X-shaped handle (l = 41 cm), two middle La Tène swords (72.5 and 75 cm long), 12 large curved knives, 27 spearheads, two javelin heads, 14 arrowheads, and nine iron chain belts for hanging a sword. The war-knife was also used for hunting, as a spare weapon, or to cut the throat of an enemy in a surprise attack.
