Luristan Bronze Spearhead

Small and biconical in profile with narrow point; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 89 grams, 67 mm



From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. 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.

Two-edged jambiya with narrow curved blade, brass bolster with silver facing and applied undulating band; hardwood grip, silver facing to pommel; silver-cased brass sheath with raised foliage ornament, pierced D-shaped suspension lug. 393 grams, 39 cm



Acquired during the 1960s. From an old North London oriental and ethnographical collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.

With leaf-shaped two-edged blade, crescent guard; restored hilt with columnar grip and stone pommel. 521 grams, 58 cm



From a North West London collection; previously acquired in the 1980s.