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LOT 1389
Norman Iron Prick Spur
11TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
4 3/4 in. (52 grams, 12 cm).
With abruptly curved arms ending in two loops, the prick with biconvex bulb. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
LiteratureCf. Romisch-Germanischen Zentralmuseum Mainz (RGZM), Das Reich der Salier, 1024-1125, Sigmaringen, 1992, pp.86-87, fig.33b, Vitrine 14, for similar spur.
FootnotesThe spur belongs to Western specimens of the 12th century, with more or less strongly curved spurs and short, strong, lowered spikes, whereby the majority of the spurs already have loops instead of rivet plates.
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Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
13th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
A hollow vessel with cylindrical body, short neck and domed mouth, four raised lugs to the body, bands of impressed dots in-between, raised neck with impressed crescents; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 357 grams, 14.7 cm
From a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 1990s onwards.
This was a type of ceramic fire grenade, similar to the ones used by the Eastern Romans but of Turco-Mongol type. Apart from the use of manual flame-throwers, special corps of soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. -
Mesopotamian Bronze Javelin Head
3rd-2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
With foliate blade, rhomboidal in section, raised mid-rib, medium length stem widening at its base and forming a small stop, quadrangular section tang with bent terminal. 262 grams, 45 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The specimen belongs to the category of tripartite spears with long pointed biconvex blade and 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'. -
Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
A long tapering cylindrical missile with raised ribs to the shoulder and carination above, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 454 grams, 18 cm
From a military inspired collection formed from the 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.
