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LOT 0305
Roman Pattern-Welded Iron Spatha
3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.
33 3/4 in. (659 grams, 85.5 cm).
With double-edged blade of Osterburken-Kemathen Type, fullers with damask pattern (rosette damask technique B.II.I.2), sturdy tang with remains of wood; the blade cleaned and conserved on one side.
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no. 11923-209660.
See Miks, C., Studien zur Romischen Schwertbewaffnung in der Kaiserzeit, I-II Banden, Rahden, 2007; for similar specimens see Miks, 2007, nos. A533, p.680, pl.137, from Nowa Cerekiew; A766, p.755, pl.141, from Vrasselt.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0305
Roman Pattern-Welded Iron Spatha
Estimate £3,000 - 4,000€3,480 - 4,640 (for guidance only)$4,050 - 5,400 (for guidance only)
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Western Asiatic Bronze Tanged Spearhead
Circa 13th-6th century B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
With leaf-shaped blade and rounded tip, pronounced medial rib and shoulder flanges, short flat-section tang. 255 grams, 31 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The spearhead belongs to type 2 of spearheads according to the classification of Khorasani. A similar specimen was excavated by Negahban in Marlik. -
Turco-Mongol Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Piriform body with domed filler-hole, raised horizontal flanges to the shoulders; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 409 grams, 11.7 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. 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 piece was a sort 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. -
North-Western Persian Type Sword Blade
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
With rounded shoulders and shallow square-sectioned mid-rib running to the blade tip; short tang with fastening hole. 220 grams, 37 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The Luristan people produced fine metalwork, which according to Dr. Khorasani, was made possible by a settled period which arose as a result of the defeat of the Elamites by the Babylonians, leaving the Luristani people in relative peace for a period of time after 1200 B.C. According to Khorasani, 'A culture of innovation and experimentation flourished, and the repertoire of the Luristan smiths expanded in the period between 1150-1050 BC.' It became widespread throughout Mesopotamia, the Caucasus and the Near East.
