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LOT 1437
Romano-British Bronze Spearbutt or Staff Head
200-300 A.D.
2 1/8 in. (139 grams, 54 mm).
Comprising an onion-shaped terminal developing to a flared socket; incised circumferential line detailing.
ProvenanceFound whilst searching with a metal detector in Cumbria, South Lakeland, UK in 2023.
Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.LANCUM-DFEA18.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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AUCTIONS:
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Mesopotamian Bronze Macehead with Raised Bosses
Early 2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £700 - 900 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £350
Of cylindrical shape, the upper section with prominent bosses and flanges, short cylindrical shaft edged at top and bottom with collars; mounted on a custom-made stand. 630 grams total, 21 cm including stand
with ArtAncient, 2010. Private collection, London. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Luristan Bronze Arrowhead Collection
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Comprising: two large triangular arrowheads with barbed shoulders and rounded midrib; one large arrowhead with lanceolate head and rounded shoulders. 94 grams total, 12.5-16.1 cm
Acquired in the 1990s. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The arrowheads belong to the type V of the classification of Khorasani: subtype D (triangular arrowheads with rounded or angular midrib) and subtype C, arrowheads with elongated, triangular shape with barbed shoulders and convex sides, and a raised midrib with a sharp central line. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Piriform body with dome mouth, impressed annulets to the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 570 grams, 12.2 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'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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.
