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LOT 1573
Ethiopian Coptic Iron Halberd
15TH-17TH CENTURY A.D.
9 1/8 in. (308 grams, 23.2 cm).
Single-edged crescent-shaped blade equipped with two curved pins with holes for attachment to a wooden shaft. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx USA private collection, 1970s-1990s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
See similar type in Flinders Petrie, W., Tools and Weapons, British School of Archaeology in Egypt and Egyptian Research Account 22nd Year, 1916, UC, 1917, pl.VIII, no.189.
FootnotesThe blade belongs to the category of crock-backed blades, as classified by Flinders Petrie. More ancient fine Coptic examples are engraved with zigzag lines, a cross, fishes, and vine pattern. The iron halberd, viii, may be of some later date. The iconography of the medieval churches in Ethiopia suggest that these weapons were used as ceremonial halberds, and worn by guardsmen of rulers and bishops. A form similar to these halberds was used as a hoe in South Africa.
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Biconvex in profile with tall neck and domed mouth, deformed when the clay was still wet. 1.1 kg total, 13 cm
From a specialist London, UK, arms and armour collection, 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'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
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. -
Luristan Bronze Dagger
13th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Comprising a two-edged leaf-shaped lentoid-section blade, crescentic lower guard, ribbed hilt and domed finial. 93 grams, 20.1 cm
Acquired before 1983. Ex London gallery, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Luristan Bronze Macehead
13th-7th century B.C.Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £60
Comprising a cylindrical shaft with flared mouth, rounded flanges around the swollen head, horizontal stepped bands; Sara Gorz type. 416 grams, 98 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
