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LOT 1089
Chinese and Greek Bronze Arrowhead Group
CIRCA 3RD CENTURY B.C.-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 - 1 1/2 in. (18.9 grams total, 24-40 mm).
Comprising two triangular-section Greek arrowheads; a gilt triangular-section arrowhead with short tubular socket. [3, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired in the 1980s-1990s.
Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Turco-Mongol Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Piriform body with domed filler-hole, raised horizontal flanges to the shoulders; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 409 grams, 11.7 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'.
This piece was a sort 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. -
North-Western Persian Type Sword Blade
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
With rounded shoulders and shallow square-sectioned mid-rib running to the blade tip; short tang with fastening hole. 220 grams, 37 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The Luristan people produced fine metalwork, which according to Dr. Khorasani, was made possible by a settled period which arose as a result of the defeat of the Elamites by the Babylonians, leaving the Luristani people in relative peace for a period of time after 1200 B.C. According to Khorasani, 'A culture of innovation and experimentation flourished, and the repertoire of the Luristan smiths expanded in the period between 1150-1050 BC.' It became widespread throughout Mesopotamia, the Caucasus and the Near East. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Dagger Blade
Early 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With a narrow tapering blade, slightly enlarged in the guard area and narrowing again towards the 'ear' pommel. 61 grams, 33 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The techniques used by Luristan craftsmen to create bronze weapons were highly sophisticated. They used a wide variety of surface finishes: repoussé work, chasing and engraving. The fact that the mountains of Luristan were particularly rich in copper and tin, both required for making bronze, was a significant advantage to the metalworking industry. The weapons produced developed into a plethora of different forms in the 2nd millennium B.C. to at least 800 B.C. These objects include axes and adzes, pick axes, daggers and dirks, spears, swords, helmets and shields. Weapons were usually cast, but armour parts were also made by the hammering process.
