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LOT 1537
Medieval Bronze Dagger Pommel
CIRCA 12TH-14TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (79 grams, 38 mm).
Lentoid in section, brazil-nut type with vertical slot to accept the tang. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound UK.
Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Greek Lead Slingshot with Macedonian Star
3rd-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Biconical in profile with a casting seam and a rayed solar symbol, the so-called Argead Star, on one side. 27.2 grams, 30 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
The rayed solar symbol (Argead Star, Vergina Star) is interpreted as the historical royal symbol of the ancient Macedonian Dynasty of the Argeads, with its most famous member being Alexander the Great. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Dagger
1800-1600 B.C.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Current Winning Bid: £100
The blade expanding towards the shoulders, a pierced rectangular-section tang. 174 grams, 29.2 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1990s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Circa 11th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
With a piriform body and domed mouth, stepped rings to the foot, engraved decoration on the shoulders with crosses and grapes; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 573 grams, 15 cm
Acquired 1990s. From the H.N. collection, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, UK. 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 Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also in 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.
