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LOT 1552
Luristan Bronze Axehead
2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
5 1/8 in. (374 grams, 13.1 cm).
With a narrow, slightly angled blade and a tubular socket.
ProvenanceEx Abelita collection, 1990s.
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:
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LOT 1552
Luristan Bronze Axehead
Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£50 (EUR 58; USD 68) +BP*
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Luristan Bronze Short Sword with Crescent-Shaped Pommel
10th century B.C.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £222
Comprising a triangular blade with integral ribbed handle and a crescentic pommel. 450 grams, 40 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
These kinds of bronze daggers or dirks, typical of Marlik culture, were cast in a one piece mould according to Negahban, although in some specimens the guard was later cast into the blade. The separate sets of encircling ribs on the grips are again typical of swords from the Marlik area. In our specimen the grip is opened on one side to receive organic filling. -
Greek Lead Slingshot with Alpha
1st century B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Lenticular type with casting seam to the rim, raised iconic Greek letter A (alpha) on one side, and the other with raised pellets. 30.9 grams, 33 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Piriform body with domed filler-hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 787 grams, 12.9 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s. 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.
