Greek and Scythian Arrowhead Collection

Comprising an ovoid body with a rectangular void to accept a strap; the lower section broad with a rib to the underside, the upper flat in section with latten panel inlay to one face. 291 grams, 16 cm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.

Piriform body with lattice to upper body and impressed bands to shoulder, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 644 grams, 12.8 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.

Comprising: a Martini-Henry brass cartridge case with firing mark to the base; three lead heads of bullets fired from the Martini-Henry rifle; mounted in a display frame; supplied with brass nameplate 'Anglo-Zulu War / Khambula / March 29th 1879'. 332 grams total, 30-37 mm (13 x 13.5 cm including case)



Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. Accompanied by a handwritten provenance note.