Loading, please wait...
LOT 1395
Large Western Asiatic Bronze Rapier Blade
2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
17 1/8 in. (327 grams, 43.5 cm).
Composed of a tanged and barbed blade with raised midrib to both faces.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
Cf. MacGregor, A., Antiquities from Europe and the Near East in the collection of the Lord McAlpine of West Green, Ashmolean Museum, 1987, no.17.25 and 17.27, for the typology.
FootnotesIn the last ninety years, many such tanged blades have been considered to be coming from centres of production in Amlash and Marlik. Without context accurate dating is impossible, but the shape recalls the rapiers of the Bronze or Early Iron Age.
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.
-
Medieval Iron Axehead
15th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
With square butt, scooped underside and a flared blade. 1.04 kg, 16 cm
Acquired on the UK market before 1992. Ex property of a North London gentleman. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Piriform body with broad neck, stamped roulettes to the lower body and fronds to the shoulder, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 982 grams, 16 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. 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. -
Carolingian Iron Spur with Silver Studs
Circa 8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
With D-section arms, attachment loop, prick spur with two bands of applied studs. 150 grams, 18 cm
Ex B Posey collection, 1990s. Ex Den of Antiquity, Cambridgeshire, UK. Accompanied by a dealer's catalogue information card.
