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LOT 1435
Large Mesopotamian Bronze Javelin Head
3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
17 3/4 in. (187 grams, 45 cm).
Foliate blade, rhomboidal in section, raised mid-rib, medium length stem widening at the base and forming a small stop, rectangular-section tang with bent terminal.
ProvenanceEx London art market, 1980-1990s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Gorelik, M., Weapons of Ancient East, IV millennium BC-IV century BC, Saint Petersburg, 2003, in Russian, see pl.XXXIII, no.82, from Tepe Hissar; Gernez, G., L’armament en métal au Proche et Moyen-Orient: des origines a 1750 av. J.C., Paris, 2007, p.301, fig.2.88, subtype L2.B.b.
FootnotesThe specimen belongs to the category of tripartite spears with long pointed biconvex blade and single bevelled tang. They seem to be a Mesopotamian and Susian (Elamite) variant, and this type also includes decorated blades, like the spear from Tello with the inscription 'King of Kish'.
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Marlik Type Bronze Dagger with Integral Hilt
14th-10th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
The blade with raised mid-rib and penannular guard, integral flanged hilt with organic inserts for the grip and crescentic pommel. 368 grams, 31.5 cm
Ex London art market, 1980-1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
These daggers were cast in one-piece mould. Some scholars (Negahban) states that blade and grip were cast in one piece mould, and that the penannular guard was later cast onto the blade. However the main characteristic was the hilt and pommel open to accept organic inlays, here preserved. -
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Piriform in profile with narrow point and domed mouth; the body decorated with regularly arranged annulets and concentric circles; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 510 grams, 11.9 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. 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.
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. -
Civil War 'Battle of Newbury' Exploded Cannon Ball Section
Circa 1644 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
A large section of missile, 100mm diameter suggesting use in a 'Bastard Carbine Cannon'. 1.47 kg, 10 cm
Found near Donnington Castle battle area, Speen, West Berkshire, UK. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Berkshire, UK, gentleman collector. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BERK-9ED66D. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
