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LOT 1867
Luristan Bronze Macehead
2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
3 1/4 in. (329 grams total, mace: 83 mm).
With a globular body and tubular socket with two raised collars above and a flaring base; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of the late Sir Clinton Charles Donald Cory, 5th Baronet of Coryton.
Ex Philip Auction House, 24 September 1985.
Cf. Musé Cernuschi, Bronzes du Luristan: Enigmes De L'Iran Ancien IIIe-Ier millénaire ac. j.-c., Paris musées, 2008, p.103, for similar example.
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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Luristan Bronze Socketted Axehead
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
With a short socketted shaft and flange to the mouth, broadening blade towards the cutting edge. 367 grams, 12 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s. -
Viking Age Iron Bearded Axe-Hammer
Circa 9th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £494
With a broad curved blade, a narrow neck, a square hammer extension to the rear; round socket with lateral triangular extensions. 327 grams, 19.6 cm
Ex North American collection, 1970s-1980s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Bulbous, undecorated body with dome filler hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 670 grams, 12.1 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.
