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LOT 0295
Mesopotamian Bronze Macehead with Raised Bosses
EARLY 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
8 1/4 in. (630 grams total, 21 cm including stand).
Of cylindrical shape, the upper section with prominent bosses and flanges, short cylindrical shaft edged at top and bottom with collars; mounted on a custom-made stand.
Provenancewith ArtAncient, 2010.
Private collection, London.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0295
Mesopotamian Bronze Macehead with Raised Bosses
Estimate £700 - 900€810 - 1,040 (for guidance only)$950 - 1,220 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Squat body with domed mouth, misshapen during manufacturing process; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 365 grams, 88 mm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. 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'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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. -
Viking Age Iron Curved T-Shaped Axehead
9th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
With broad curved edge, slender neck, round flared socket with lateral wings to each face and round extension on the rear; professionally cleaned, conserved and restored. 482 grams, 17 cm
Very fine condition,
Ex property of a London businessman, from his grandfather's collection formed after World War II; thence by descent 1972. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
These axes are typical of Baltic workmanship. During this age, the axes were the favourite weapons of many Baltic people, including the Curonian army which included lightly armed soldiers who fought with spears, shields, fighting knives and axes. A heavily armed soldier could also carry a sword, a helmet, a shield, and a wide-bladed axe. -
Luristan Bronze Short Sword
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Triangular in plan with thick round-section midrib, rounded shoulders, narrow tip; short tang with hole for fixing pin for the organic grip. 295 grams, 37 cm
Acquired in the 1990s. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
