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LOT 1586
Mesopotamian Bronze Javelin Head
3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
15 1/8 in. (204 grams, 38.5 cm).
With a foliate blade, rhomboidal in section, raised mid-rib, medium-length stem widening at its base and forming a small stop, rectangular-section tang with bent terminal.
ProvenanceEx Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
LiteratureCf. Gorelik, M., Weapons of Ancient East, IV millennium BC-IV century BC, Saint Petersburg, 2003, in Russian, see pl.XXXIII, no.82, from Tepe Hissar; Gernez, G., L’armament en métal au Proche et Moyen-Orient: des origines a 1750 av. J.C., Paris, 2007, p.301, fig.2.88, subtype L2.B.b.
FootnotesThe specimen belongs to the category of tripartite spears with a long, pointed biconvex blade and a 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'.
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Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Bomb or Hand Grenade
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Piriform in profile with a domed mouth and a stepped neck, incised decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 460 grams, 16.5 cm
From a specialist collection, London, UK, 1990-2000s.
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. -
Large Viking Age Iron Socketted Bearded Axehead
Circa 10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Finely curved broad blade with chin to the lower edge, rounded socket with lateral triangular extensions and a rectangular extension to the rear; professionally cleaned, conserved, and restored. 730 grams, 21 cm
From the family collection of a South East London collector; formerly acquired in the late 1950s.
This type of bearded axe seems to correspond to the E2 category of the Viking axe classification, but also has affinity with the Slavic axe-type Y. Usually these bearded axeheads (skeggöks) had a longer edge, designed to split tree trunks into planks and beams. Some of the bearded axes were known as halfÞynna öx; the neck on such a 'half thin axe' was thinly forged, to make it lighter. -
Luristan Decorated Bronze Macehead
900-800 B.C.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
With a slender, scooped blade, a round socket with a ribbed outer flange; three lobed extensions to the rear of the socket with low-relief decorative bands and zigzags, collar to mouth. 360 grams, 10.4 cm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK.
