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LOT 0256
Roman Iron Spatha Sword
3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.
32 5/8 in. (652 grams, 83 cm).
Comprising a wide double-edged blade of Illerup-Wyhl typology; blood channels and later inlays to both sides.
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
Cf. Miks, C., Studien zur Romischen Schwertbewaffnung in der Kaiserzeit, I-II Banden, Rahden, 2007, nos.A321,12,13, from Illerup Adal.
FootnotesSpecimens of Roman spathae of 2nd-3rd centuries have been found in large numbers in Danish bogs (Nydam, Straubing, Thorsberg, Illerup). The Straubing-Nydam type shows straight and convergent cutting edges, the width of which is reduced along the blade.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Marble Ballista Catapult Shot
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Suitable for use with an onager or other catapult-type siege weapon; with smooth finished surface. 3 kg, 13 cm
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.
The operation of the onager (Latin for 'wild ass') is first mentioned in 353 A.D. by Ammianus Marcellinus in his Res Gestae and more fully in Vegetius's Epitoma Rei Militaris probably written in the reign of Emperor Theodosius I (378-395 A.D.). -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Egg-shaped ceramic vessel with domed filler-hole, impressed rings and raised vertical flanges to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 565 gram, 13 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 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. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Belgian Pinfire Pocket Revolver
1877-1900 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Six-shot 7mm calibre double action Belgian proofed revolver with 55mm (2¼") barrel with hinged loading gate, extractor mounted at right side, folding trigger and fitted with plain wood butt scales; action stiff. 245 grams, 14 cm
Acquired from ROA Antique Arms Ltd. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by copy of the ROA listing.
Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the Firearms Act, 1968, to be held as a curiosity or ornament. No license required but buyer must be over 18 years of age. Overseas bidders should note that, due to UK regulations governing export of all firearms, overseas buyers will need to make arrangements for shipping this lot out of the UK directly, by air freight, with a specialist company or agent.
