Loading, please wait...
LOT 1445
Large Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade with TL Test
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
6 1/8 in. (1.59 kg, 15.5 cm).
Cylindrical body with pointed tip, deep circumferential groove beneath the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards.
Accompanied by an original thermoluminescence analysis report by Oxford Authentication with sample no.P125g16.
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.
Cf. Arendt, W. I., Granaten des 13-14. Jahrhunderts, die an der Wolga gefunden sind, Zeitschrift fur Historische Waffen-und Kostumkunde, 11 (1926-8), p.42; cf. Arendt, W., Die Spharisch-konischen Gefäße aus Gebranntem Ton, ibid; cf. Ayalon, D., Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p.16.
FootnotesApart 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.
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 1445
Large Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade with TL Test
Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
-
Massive Medieval Iron Hand-and-a-Half Knight's Sword with Lamb of God Pommel
Western Europe, 14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £8,450
Of Oakeshott's Type XV or XVIII, cross style 8, pommel style J (recessed) with a strongly tapering, pointed blade of 'flattened diamond'-section; tapering lower-guard with downturned finials; long, slightly tapering grip and a large disc pommel with chamfered edges, inlay to both sides with a low-relief image of Lamb of God, possibly a later addition; some contemporary repairs. 1.6 kg, 1.19 m
From the private family collection of a lady, UK; acquired in Germany mid 20th century. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12787-240329. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Many swords of this type have long grips, like the war-swords of Type XIII. After about 1350, nine swords out of ten seem to have such grips, and are today variously referred to as 'Hand-and-a-half' or 'Bastard' swords. The latter term was used in the 15th century, but it is not certain that it was applied to this particular kind of weapon. 'Hand-and-a-half'', though modern, is a far more fitting name; these swords were single-handed weapons, but by being furnished with long grips, could at need be wielded easily in both. -
Late Roman Iron Sword with Decorated Guard
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
A two-edged spatha type with a lentoid parallel-sided blade, sloped shoulders and short tang pierced by an attachment rivet for the grip; the bronze lower guard rectangular in plan and scaphoid in section with inset garnet cloisonné in gold cells with rhomboid patterns alternating with circles; the upper top roundel of the pommel or insertion of the hanging stone divided into four gold cells in garnet cloisonné; accompanied by a barrel-shaped polished hilt stone. 696 grams, 74 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no. 12586-240319. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The sword is a Migration Period sword which usually had stones hanging from the pommel or hilt, like the one preserved here, which finds a parallel with the sword of Lord of Morken (Strassmeir, 2019, p.55, lett.G). This typology was widespread in Central Europe by the Huns and there are also specimens attested in Gaul and Spain in the 5th century. -
Aramaic Inscribed Bronze Arrowhead
1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Comprising a two-edged lentoid-section leaf-shaped blade and lozenge-section tang; each side with a short incised Aramaic inscription. 14 grams, 94 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
