Luristan Bronze Arrowhead Collection

Comprising three triangular arrowheads with raised midribs and long stems; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 135 grams total, 16.5 cm including stand



Acquired in the 1990s. From the private collection of John Lawton, Surrey, UK.

Egg-shaped with spiked sleeves or prongs, the top of the weapon with a narrow edge, the sleeves with small internal tangs for mounting. 127 grams, 10.1 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

The 'claw mace' was an enigmatic ancient bronze weapon from the Bronze Age Near East. The hollow bulbous head was trailed by tines of varying lengths. It is believed that it was affixed over a wooden shaft and used like a club in combat, and not necessarily used as ceremonial weapon. The knife edge bulb end could have broken bones and proven to be a formidable striking weapon requiring no skill to wield. The tines would have not only been decorative, but have served to add strength below the striking end to prevent breakage. In battle, maces were often used by commanders to display rank when giving orders in battle and leading soldiers, inspiring leadership and power.

Piriform body with domed filler-hole, the surface divided by four long grooves united at the bottom, and pattern like scales; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 474 grams, 14.3 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'.

This piece was a sort of ceramic fire grenade, similar to the ones used by the Eastern Romans but of Turco-Mongol type. Apart from the use of manual flame-throwers, special corps of soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations, even in Burma.