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LOT 1789
Luristan Bronze Socketted Adze-Axehead
2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
6 1/2 in. (675 grams, 16.5 cm).
Short tubular socket with thickened rim, perpendicular short blade with convex cutting edge to the rear, and a larger triangular-section blade with curving blade to the front.
ProvenanceEx Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
LiteratureCf. Christie's, The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, part 2, London, 2004, items 21,34.
FootnotesThe earliest axes-adzes from the 3rd millennium B.C. were weapons and tools furnished with socket holes. Usually, the socket is a more secure way of attaching the object to a wooden haft than having a simple tang. These weapons developed into a plethora of forms in the 2nd millennium B.C., and the numerous new forms were used until at least 800 B.C.
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AUCTIONS:
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Western Asiatic Polished Stone Macehead
3rd-2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Ovoid body with circular socket. 435 grams, 86 mm
From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman, 1990s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Globular in profile with linear decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 678 grams, 11.5 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. -
King James II Period Iron Lance Head
Late 17th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Comprising a flat-section leaf-shaped blade with a short round-section neck, a square-section baluster with hatched surfaces, and a narrow flared socket with remains of original wooden shaft. 162 grams, 28.5 cm
By repute from the site of the battle of Sedgemoor (6th July 1685), Somerset, UK. Formerly from the collection of gentleman from South London, UK. Property of a private collector, West London, UK.
