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LOT 1092
Marlik Spearhead with Pronounced Ridge
14TH-10TH CENTURY B.C.
18 in. (432 grams, 45.8 cm).
A heavy bronze spearhead comprising an oval blade with gently curved shoulders and strong midrib, flat rectangular-section tang tapering to a curved end.
ProvenanceEx Abelita family collection, 1980-2015.
LiteratureSee similar spearhead in Khorasani M.M., Arms and Armour from Iran. The Bronze Age to the End of the Qajar Period, Tübingen, 2006, item 270, for type and p.241.
FootnotesThe spearhead belongs to the type V of the heavy spearheads, similar to the ones excavated by Dr. Negahban in Tomb 47 (Trench XXIIE) of the Marlik necropolis. The heavy spearheads, cast in one piece, usually have an oval blade with rounded gently curved shoulders and a rounded midrib near the tang.
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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Western Asiatic Tanged Leaf-Shaped Spearhead
Circa 21st-mid 15th century B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
A large bronze tripartite spearhead with biconvex blade and flattened tang. 315 grams, 27.7 cm
Fine condition.
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980-2015.
The spearhead belongs to the subtype L2.B.d of the Gernez classification. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
A ceramic vessel with a piriform body and domed mouth, two incised rings to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 470 grams, 10.2 cm
Previously in a private collection since the 1990s. Property of a Sussex, UK, teacher. 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. -
French Gras Model 1874 Rifle Bayonet
Dated 1876 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
A Gras bayonet with T-shaped tapering 'epee' blade fitted with steel perforated quillon, rivetted wood grip scales and brass pommel slotted to fit the rifle barrel key; various punchmarks and numbered '7233' to quillon, the back of the blade inscribed 'Usine de Stoyr 1876' in script. 581 grams, 64.5 cm
Good condition.
Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK.