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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): £91
A piriform ceramic missile with band of S-scrolls to the shoulder, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 533 grams, 12 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. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead Collection
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Including leaf-shaped and triangular types with flat- and square-section tangs. 245 grams total, 9.6-17.5 cm
Ex London collection, formed 1990-2000. -
Western Asiatic South Caspian Bronze Sword
9th-8th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £878
With penannular guard and a multi-fullered double edged blade tapering to a sharp point, solid cast hilt made of a round handle with two decorative discs under the stone mushroom pommel. 1.06 kg, 71 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
In this sword it is possible that hilt and blade were not cast as one unit, but rather that the hilt was cast onto the blade. The thick guard is related to the crescent type, but here is almost rectangular, albeit with rounded shoulders, like in the blade of Metropolitan published by Muscarella.
