Loading, please wait...
LOT 0286
Indian Quatar Iron Dagger
18TH-19TH CENTURY A.D.
18 7/8 in. (488 grams, 48 cm).
Comprising a broad blade tapering to an armour-piercing point, the steel side bars and balustered grips decorated with copper Koftgari work flowers and scrolls.
ProvenanceProperty of a London gallery.
LiteratureCf. Mierzejewska, A., Chodiński, A.R., Broń Orientu, (Weapons of the Orient) Catalogue of the Toruń Regional Museum, Toruń, 2009, fig.35, p.48.
FootnotesUnique to South Asia, the quatar or katar was a dagger that held at the crossbars with a clenched fist. The weapon was meant to be thrust into the opponent or prey from a close range. Rajput and Mughal royalty used this weapon to hunt tigers and even crocodiles to demonstrate their bravery and martial skill.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0286
Indian Quatar Iron Dagger
Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)
-
Viking Age Iron Bearded Axehead
9th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Finno-Ugrian with triangular-section blade widening to a broad bevelled edge with spur to the underside, socket with extended lower sleeve. 779 grams, 17.5 cm
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.
During their struggles against Germans and Teutonic Knights, deceased pagans were often cremated along with damaged or ceremonially sacrificed weaponry. If swords were generally reserved for the military elite, the side axe was one of the most commonly used weapons. -
Luristan Bronze Sword Hilt
2nd millenium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
With crescent-shaped guard to accept blade, square-section grip with central rib to two sides and four evenly-spaced studs to the other two, and a conical hollow-cast mushroom pommel pierced on three sides. 492 grams, 16.5 cm
Acquired in the early 1990s. Ex Guernsey collection. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Pear-shaped ceramic vessel with domed filler-hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 640 grams, 13.5 cm
Ex London, UK, 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'.
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. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.
