Medieval Iron Bearded Axehead

Piriform missile with domed filler-hole, tongue-shaped petals radiating from the filler-hole, each with an annulet and a ring-and-dot motif, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 448 grams, 10.7 cm



From a specialist London, UK, arms and armour collection, 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.

With foliate blade, rhomboidal in section, raised mid-rib, medium length stem widening at its base and forming a small stop, quadrangular section tang with bent terminal. 191 grams, 45.5 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

The specimen belongs to the category of tripartite spears with long pointed biconvex blade and single bevelled tang. They seem to be a Mesopotamian and Susian (Elamite) variant, and this type also includes decorated blades, like the spear from Tello with the inscription 'King of Kish'.

Piriform in profile with vertical socket expanding towards the base, short neck. 459 grams, 80 mm



Ex London gentleman's collection, 1990s.