Medieval Iron Spear Group

From the right side of the face mask, the upper edge with a band of embossed diagonal lines, probably intending to represent stylised hair, embossed spiral to the centre, a symbol clearly connected with the worship of the sun; a hole for the fastening thongs at ear-level which originally linked the face-guard to the bowl. 75 grams, 13 cm high



Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

The spiral decoration of the face-guard is connected with the solar cult. The spiral represents the rotary movement of the sun, and the spiral is probably the oldest known spiritual symbol connected with the sun, together with the swastika or tetragammadion. The connection can also be seen in Celtic art, where the representation of the spiral also follows the path of the sun, describing the movements of the heavenly body over the course of a solar year. The third century was characterised by diffusion of the solar cult, the Sol Invictus, among the Roman soldiers, with its symbols often represented on arms and weapons as an apotropaic element of protection.

Comprising a Colt .41 calibre single action rimfire single-shot derringer pocket pistol, the barrel top marked 'COLT' and the left frame '41 CAL'; with nickel-plated brass frame and steel rifled barrel (swivel to load) and bird's beak butt with plain wood grips; the pistol contained in an original case formed from a hollowed out leather-bound book Pratique du Sacrament de Penitence ou Methode pour L'Administrer Utilement, published Paris, 1714, the compartment lined with marbled paper with section for spare bullets; action in working order. 450 grams total, book 17 x 10 cm



Acquired from Holts Auction, 2020, lot 899. Formerly with a Kent collector. With TimeLine Auctions, lot 1086. Property of an Australian collector. Accompanied by Holts lot ticket.

Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the Firearms Act, 1968, to be held as a curiosity or ornament. No license required but buyer must be over 18 years of age. Overseas bidders should note that, due to UK regulations governing export of all firearms, overseas buyers will need to make arrangements for shipping this lot out of the UK directly, by air freight, with a specialist company or agent.

Pear-shaped ceramic vessel with domed filler-hole, circumferential impressed bands to the shoulder and equator; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 490 grams, 15 cm



Ex London, UK, 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. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of 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.