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LOT 1522
Luristan Bronze Dagger
EARLY 1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
13 1/2 in. (241 grams, 34.4 cm).
Large triangular blade with raised midrib and a short, tapering tang.
ProvenanceEx Abelita collection, 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Christie’s, The Art of Warfare, the Axel Guttmann collection, Part I, Wednesday 6 November 2002, London, p.34, no.31, for a similar blade.
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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Greek and Scythian Bronze Arrowhead Collection
Circa 5th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
A mixed group of socketted arrowheads, including some triangular types. 137 grams total, 20-34 mm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.
In ancient Greek warfare, archers were mainly employed by Scythians and Cretans. Both used composite bows made of wood, horn, bone and sinew. This explains the great range of Scythian arrowheads found on the Greek sites. -
Sasanian Silver-Plated Lion Shield Boss
6th-7th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £936
With stylised repoussé head and face detailing showing two faces, one to the side and the other to the top, the mane represented by a scalloped border; sheet-silver cladding to the head over bronze; pierced for attachment. 80.9 grams, 78 mm
Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. London, UK, collection. -
Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Piriform in profile with a stepped neck, incised decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 385 grams, 16 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.
