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LOT 1533
Polynesian Carved Hardwood Fighting Stick
LATE 20TH CENTURY A.D.
27 1/4 in. (320 grams, 69.2 cm).
Comprising a worked round-section stave with point to each end, central grip with carved balusters and hatched sleeves. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceProperty of a Berkshire, UK, gentleman collector.
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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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Piriform in profile with a rounded base, and two circumferential bands on the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 465 grams, 13.7 cm
From a specialist collection, London, UK, 1990-2000s. 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. -
Luristan Bronze Spearhead
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Triangular in profile with rounded shoulders and thick square-section mid-rib running to the tip; short flared neck and square-section tang. 331 grams, 42.3 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1990s. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Axehead
Late 3rd-early 2nd millennium BCEstimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
With a short socketted shaft, the plain rectangular blade broadening towards the cutting edge; side holes on the shaft. 446 grams, 11.4 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
Unadorned weapons, especially axes, adzes, and picks, were made by Luristan craftsmen using simple clay or stone bivalve moulds, into which a core was inserted to form the socket for the shaft. Typically, the metallic composition consisted of a combination of arsenical bronze and copper, together with a small percentage of lead.