Loading, please wait...
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.
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 1459
Cased Medieval to Tudor 'Published' Iron Crossbow Bolt Collection
Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
-
Luristan Bronze Arrowhead Collection
Circa 14th-10th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Including triangular, leaf-shaped, barbed and other types. 450 grams total, 9.5-15.5 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
A small ceramic missile with segmented shoulder and impressed rosettes, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 398 grams, 10.8 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'. -
Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
A long tapering cylindrical missile with raised ribs to the shoulder and carination above, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 454 grams, 18 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.
