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LOT 1459
Cased Medieval to Tudor 'Published' Iron Crossbow Bolt Collection
12TH-16H CENTURY A.D.
12 3/4 x 8 7/8 x 2 in. (1.24 kg total, 32.5 x 22.5 x 5 cm).
Comprising: 14 crossbow bolts with pyramidal point, square-section shaft, and a tubular socket. [14, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
LiteratureCf. Bailey, G., Finds identified, Witham, 2000, fig.19, p.86, for similar.
FootnotesThe crossbow, a bow fixed at its centre to a wooden stock, was a formidable weapon reintroduced in Western Europe in 11th century A.D.; it was used by the Genoese crossbowmen, mainly in French service, during the 100 Years War; its heavy bolt could easily penetrate a shield or armour breast plate at close range.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1459
Cased Medieval to Tudor 'Published' Iron Crossbow Bolt Collection
Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Piriform body with band of impressed roundels to the equator, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 541 grams, 11.7 cm
From a military inspired collection formed from the 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. -
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Greek Style Bronze Helmet
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Featuring hammered helmet detailing together with mythical creatures and coiled snakes. 1.5 kg, 30.5 cm high
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
The helmet is modelled upon the pseudo-Corinthian models of antiquity. The gryphon represented refers to the wars between these mythological creatures and the Arimaspes. -
Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
13th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
A hollow vessel with cylindrical body, carinated shoulder, short neck and domed mouth, bands of impressed herringbone patterns to the shoulder and waist, piriform lower body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 619 grams, 16.5 cm
From a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 1990s onwards.
This was a type of ceramic fire grenade, similar to the ones used by the Eastern Romans but of Turco-Mongol type. Apart from the use of manual flame-throwers, special corps of soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations.
