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LOT 1585
Medieval Bronze Archer's Thumb Ring
14TH-16TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (6.14 grams, 32.32 mm overall, 21.71 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Y, USA 12, Europe 27.51, Japan 26)).
With a narrow triangular flange, a low-relief motif. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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Bactrian Bronze Claw Axehead
3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Egg-shaped with spiked prongs to the socket, narrow rounded cutting edge. 148 grams, 13.2 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
The 'claw mace' was an enigmatic ancient bronze weapon from the Bronze Age Near East. The hollow bulbous head was trailed by tines of varying lengths. It is believed that it was affixed over a wooden shaft and used like a club in combat, and not necessarily used as ceremonial weapon. The knife-edge bulb end could have broken bones and proven to be a formidable striking weapon requiring no skill to wield. The tines would have not only been decorative, but have served to add strength below the striking end to prevent breakage. In battle, maces were often used by commanders to display rank when giving orders in battle and leading soldiers, inspiring leadership and power. Egg-shaped with spiked sleeves or prongs, the top of the weapon with a narrow edge, the sleeves with small internal tangs for mounting. -
Framed Greek Bronze Barbed Arrowhead
5th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Leaf-shaped arrowhead with midrib, conical socket and lateral spur; mounted in a glazed wooden display case with hand-lettered explanatory text concerning the battle of Thermopylae where the item was found. 440 grams total, 22.7 x 17.6 cm
Acquired on the UK art market. From the private collection of an East Anglian, UK, Specialist Collector. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Ovoid in profile with a rounded base and a gently ribbed body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 774 grams, 14.6 cm
From a specialist collection, London, UK, 1990-2000s. 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.
