Loading, please wait...
LOT 1455
Medieval Iron Spearhead
14TH-16TH CENTURY A.D.
13 3/4 in. (380 grams, 35 cm).
Long blade with shallow point and parallel sides, sturdy neck and narrow split socket. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a private Barnsley, UK, family collection.
PublishedExhibited at the Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 11th September-2nd December 2024; accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the artefacts on display.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Luristan Heavy Bronze Axehead
13th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
With broad tapering blade and curved edge, wide socket, hammer-face to rear. 1.28 kg, 19.5 cm
Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. -
Medieval Iron Dagger with Bronze Fittings
14th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With triangular iron blade and tang, bronze quillons with cupped bolster and gusseted pommel. 34 grams, 14.5 cm
From a private Barnsley, UK, family collection. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Piriform missile with domed filler-hole, two rows of ring-and-dot decoration to the upper body, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 422 grams, 11.2 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.
