Luristan Spearhead Group

With swept blade and triangular socket with extension to the rear; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 659 grams total including stand, axehead: 24.5 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

Piriform body with segmented shoulder and impressed roundels, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 759 grams, 12 cm



From a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 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.

Substantial cast cupola with socket to the apex; possibly from a field artillery piece. 110 grams, 67 mm



Reputed to have been excavated near Viables in Hampshire at the end of the 19th century. From the estate of the late Jennifer Simmonds. Acquired from Jacobs & Hunt auctioneers, Petersfield, Hampshire, UK.

The circular umbo does not correspond to any known central shield boss, as it also lacks the lower edge; instead, it finds a good correspondence with the circular bosses that reinforced the lower and upper frame of a catapult, equipped with a central bronze cover.