Loading, please wait...
LOT 1480
Mesopotamian Veined Mottled Grey Stone Macehead
3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
2 3/4 in. (424 grams, 72 mm).
Piriform with vertical socket expanding towards the narrower end; polished surface.
ProvenanceEx 1990s collection and with a central London gallery.
LiteratureCf. Gorelik, M., Weapons of Ancient East, IV millennium BC-IV century BC, Saint Petersburg, 2003, in Russian, see pl.XXXI, no.30, from Armenia, for similar.
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.
-
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
A piriform missile with domed filler-hole and vertical segmented bands with impressed geometric designs; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 461 grams, 13.5 cm
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'.
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. -
Medieval Iron Swallow-Tailed Arrowhead
10th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
With narrow curved edges and stepped tang. 17.6 grams, 84 mm
From the private collection of author and historian Dr DeWitt Bailey, one of the global authorities on the confederate army in the US civil war; thence by descent to his grandson. -
Western Asiatic Style Dagger Group
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Each a curved steel blade with two fullers, stamped ornament; waisted bronze grip with applied bone panels, tendril ornament; cast scabbard with suspension rings, advancing warrior with scimitar to each face. 425 grams total, 23.2-23.7 cm
Acquired during the 1960s. From an old North London oriental and ethnographical collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
