Large Medieval Iron Incendiary Fire Arrowhead

With crescentic blade and rounded knot at the butt, ornamental curved edging to the upper shaft hole, a cord edge on the upper and lower shaft hole, incised band around the edge of the blade; the butt inversed, forming a bearded human face. 246 grams, 94 mm



with a London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s.

The type corresponds to Gernez type H.2.H.a, axes with collar and short sleeve lined with mouldings, fan-shaped blade and rear knot. It was a variant only known in Elam and Luristan. In Luristan one identical specimen was found at Chigha Sabz (grave M7). In Elam, the majority of these axes were found in the Middle-Bronze Age (Age of Isin-Larsa or Early Babylonian Age) tombs of Sarcophagi, at Susa.

Each with a slender, lozenge-shaped blade and a socket extending near the tip, base of the socket with a side lug. 130 grams total, 37-57 mm



UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.

In Greek warfare archery was mainly employed by Scythians and Cretans for the longer-ranks. Both used composite bows made of wood, horn, bone and sinew. This explains the great range of Scythian arrowheads found on the Greek sites.

Comprising: 14 crossbow bolts with pyramidal point, square-section shaft, and a tubular socket. 1.24 kg total, 32.5 x 22.5 x 5 cm



From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

The crossbow, a bow fixed at its centre to a wooden stock, was a formidable weapon reintroduced in Western Europe in 11th century A.D.; it was used by the Genoese crossbowmen, mainly in French service, during the 100 Years War; its heavy bolt could easily penetrate a shield or armour breast plate at close range.