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LOT 1545
Medieval Bronze Archer's Thumb Ring
14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (3.62 grams, 29.21 mm overall, 18.83 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)).
Comprising a D-section hoop with raised boss to the base, triangular extension with incised decoration. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom an English collection formed before 2000.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman 'Pompey the Great' Lead Slingshot
1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
Biconical lead slingshot (glans) with inscription in Latin letters 'CN' (Cneius) 'MAG' (Magnus) on one side, and 'IMP' for 'IMPERATOR' (victorious general) to the other side, i.e Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus Imperator (Pompey the Great the victorious general). 81 grams, 47 mm
From the collection of a London antiquarian, formed since the 1980s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Ethiopian Coptic Iron Halberd
15th-17th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
Single-edged crescent-shaped blade equipped with two curved pins with holes for attachment to a wooden shaft. 308 grams, 23.2 cm
Ex USA private collection, 1970s-1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The blade belongs to the category of crock-backed blades, as classified by Flinders Petrie. More ancient fine Coptic examples are engraved with zigzag lines, a cross, fishes, and vine pattern. The iron halberd, viii, may be of some later date. The iconography of the medieval churches in Ethiopia suggest that these weapons were used as ceremonial halberds, and worn by guardsmen of rulers and bishops. A form similar to these halberds was used as a hoe in South Africa. -
Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
A hollow vessel with cylindrical body, short neck and domed mouth, impressed decorative bands to the upper body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 750 grams, 15.5 cm
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'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
