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LOT 0305
Byzantine Iron Spathion Sword
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
31 7/8 in. (698 grams, 81cm).
An Eastern Roman spathion with long, double-edged parallel blade, a tapering, medium length tang, retaining possible remains of the fabrica mark in the middle, near the rivet hole for the handle. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1970-1980.
From the collection of a Surrey gentleman.
See Popov, S., 'Four Swords from the National Archaeological Museum in Sofia' in Lazarenko, I., Acta Musei Varnaensis X, 1–2, Varna, 2018, pp.137-142.
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
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Western Persian Bronze Socketted Axehead
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
With broad shoulder, short neck, domed square-shaped lip and conical base, broad medial band, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 472 grams, 10.7 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. 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'.
The effectiveness of these grenades was much lower than the fire liquid thrown by the siphons. They were thrown by hand as it is evident by the presence of some sort of handle on the body of some of them to better allow the grip of the object (Raimondo, 2000 Plate 11a; fig. 4, c-d). Nothing excludes that they were also launched at more long distance with catapults or other war engines. The presence of a fuse for triggering the explosion is evidenced by the narrow mouth of the largest part of the grenades. -
Carolingian Iron Spur with Silver Studs
Circa 8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
With D-section arms, attachment loop, prick spur with two bands of applied studs. 150 grams, 18 cm
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