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LOT 1563
Indian Gilt Bronze Talwar Sword Hilt
LATE 19TH CENTURY A.D.
6 7/8 in. (285 grams, 17.5 cm).
Comprising a lentoid-section bulbous grip with lateral stub quillons and carinated spur to both faces, dished disc pommel with dome and knop; reserved panels of gilt arabesque ornament, rosettes and linear detailing.
ProvenancePrivate collection, UK.
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:
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Anglo-Saxon Warrior's Bronze Prick Spur
Late 8th-9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Comprising a horizontal D-section curved bar with paired incuse lines, vertical extensions, conical spike at the junction. 13 grams, 47 mm
Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Bottisham, East Cambridgeshire, UK, on Thursday, 1st May 2025. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.SF-CF48EC.
The Portable Antiquities Scheme states: 'This is a find of note and has been designated: Regional importance.' -
Greek Macedonian Lead Slingshot
4th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Lentoid type with low-relief legend 'AΓOPOY' . 41.7 grams, 32 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Ovoid in profile with a rounded base, a band of ring-and-dot motifs on the shoulder and radiating indentations on the base; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 783 grams, 14.7 cm
From a specialist collection, London, UK, 1990-2000s. 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.
