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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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LOT 1459
Cased Medieval to Tudor 'Published' Iron Crossbow Bolt Collection
Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
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Medieval 'Published' Iron Spur Collection
Circa 13th-17th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Comprising: a rowel spur of early 13th century date with short neck; a 14th century U-shaped rowel spur with straight neck, five star rowel and squared terminals with fittings and a buckle; a 17th century drop neck spur with multi-pointed rowel, the arched body decorated with transversal lines and bilobate terminals. 280 grams total, 13.2-16.5 cm
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
By the late 13th century A.D., rowel spurs in the West had virtually replaced the old single prick point type spur. The rowel spurs were more effective as a goad and at the same time less damaging to the flank of the horse. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Blade Collection
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Including double-edged leaf-shaped type, chisel-type and others. 410 grams total, 15.5-21 cm
Ex London collection, formed 1990-2000. -
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £92
Piriform body with domed filler-hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 580 grams, 12.5 cm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. 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. 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.
