Medieval Iron Bearded Axehead

A small ceramic missile with domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 207 grams, 86 mm



From a military inspired collection formed from the 1990s. 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.

Featuring hammered helmet detailing together with mythical creatures and coiled snakes. 1.5 kg, 30.5 cm high



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

The helmet is modelled upon the pseudo-Corinthian models of antiquity. The gryphon represented refers to the wars between these mythological creatures and the Arimaspes.

Narrow T-shaped blade with curved edge, large D-shaped socket with lateral triangular flanges and rectangular extension to the rear. 588 grams, 17 cm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.

Slavic battle-axes also came into use in Scandinavia, especially in the Eastern part of Gotland, Denmark and Sweden. One of the types was a T-shaped axe with a broad blade. There were narrow-bladed types too, described as being very light. Another characteristic of some of the Eastern axes was an extra long hammer or more rarely a secondary blade protruding from the back of axehead.