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LOT 1869
Medieval Socketted Iron Tournament Flail
CIRCA 15TH CENTURY A.D.
20 1/2 in. (364 grams, 52.1 cm).
Comprising: tubular socket with segmented lower ends pieced to accept attachment pins, decorative ring above; short length of chain with butted iron links; heater shield-shaped striker with knop finial and torque to the neck, punched design of a chevron and central pellet; one face with possible maker's mark above the pellet. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx North American private collection, 1970s-1990s.
PublishedExhibited at the Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 4th March 2026-7th June 2026; accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the artefacts on display.
LiteratureCf. Waldman, J. Hafted weapons in medieval and Renaissance Europe the evolution of European staff weapons between 1200 and 1650,Boston, 2005, p.145-150.
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:
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Turkish Iron Dagger with Brass Hilt and Scabbard
Mid 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Two-edged jambiya with narrow curved blade, two deep fullers and punched detailing with inset turquoise-coloured pellet; brass bolster and applied bone panels to the grip, silver facing to pommel; brass sheath with low-relief foliage and figural ornament, suspension rings. 211 grams, 23.2 cm
Previously acquired on the UK art market in the early 2000s. This item is for collection from our premises only. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Ovoid body with impressed dot decoration, domed filler hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 360 grams, 12.1 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 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. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Ovoid in profile with impressed pellet decoration on the upper body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 436 grams, 11 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 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.
