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LOT 1399
Elamite Bronze Macehead
2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
2 3/8 in. (205 grams, 61 mm).
Hollow-formed with a collared socket; two rows of tear-shaped bosses to the bulbous body. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
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AUCTIONS:
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Viking Age Iron Long-Bladed Axehead
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
With triangular-section narrow blade widening to a bevelled edge, socket with rounded extension to the rear. 723 grams, 19 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. -
Luristan Copper Flat Axe
Circa 13th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Formed with a squared butt and flared cutting edge; flat in cross-section. 168 grams, 17 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Piriform body with zigzag band to the equator and impressed roundels to the shoulder, tiered neck, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 650 grams, 13.3 cm
From a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 1990s onwards. 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.
