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LOT 1438
Iron Age Celtic Iron Spearhead
EUROPE, CIRCA 4TH CENTURY B.C.
11 1/8 in. (180 grams, 28.5 cm).
With lentoid-section two-edged blade, sturdy neck and short tubular socket; incised gusset detailing to neck. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired from Coincraft, London, UK.
From the private collection of Kenneth Machin (1936-2020), Buckinghamshire, UK; with collection no.IA26; his collection of antiquities and natural history was formed since 1948; thence by descent.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
The missile with a rounded body flattened on four sides, the flat faces separated by two vertical lines with an annulet above and below, concentric circles surrounding the pointed base, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 660 grams, 11.8 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'.
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 Spearhead
13th-7th century B.C.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £130
Composed of a leaf-shaped blade with tapering socket. 161 grams, 31.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Medieval Iron Spearhead
14th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Long blade with shallow point and parallel sides, sturdy neck and narrow split socket. 380 grams, 35 cm
From a private Barnsley, UK, family collection.