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LOT 1039
Luristan Copper Flat Axehead
13TH-7TH CENTURY B.C.
8 1/4 in. (112 grams, 20.8 cm).
Formed with a rounded butt and flared cutting edge; flat in cross-section.
ProvenanceUK private collection formed before 2000.
Ex North London, UK, gallery.
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LOT 1039
Luristan Copper Flat Axehead
Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)
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Medieval Iron Socketted Javelin
Circa 15th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
With square-section spike and flaring socket. 342 grams, 36 cm
Ex California, USA, collection formed since the late 1960s. European art market before the late 1990s. -
Luristan Bronze Short Sword
Circa 1000 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
The blade with a tapering profile, triangular in overall form, with slender shoulders, penannular guard with strong midrib, flanged hilt with crenellated grip, widening slightly into a fan-shaped pommel, cracked. 421 grams, 42 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
These types of short sword or dirks were usually cast in one piece, and the penannular rib in relief was cast on at the same time with the handle of the blade. In some cases, however, the penannular rib was later cast on the dagger, possibly to strengthen a weak point at the junction of hilt and blade. The flanged hilt was originally inlaid with organic material such as bone. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Piriform body with domed filler-hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 434 grams, 12.4 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. 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. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.
