Loading, please wait...
LOT 1361
Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
14TH CENTURY A.D.
6 3/4 in. (610 grams, 17.2 cm).
Piriform body with thick ribs to the shoulder and impressed knotwork panels between, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the H.N. collection, Milton Keynes, Berkshire, UK, 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Arendt, W. I., Granaten des 13-14. Jahrhunderts, die an der Wolga gefunden sind, Zeitschrift fur Historische Waffen-und Kostumkunde, 11 (1926-8), p.42; cf. Arendt, W., Die Spharisch-konischen Gefäße aus Gebranntem Ton, ibid; cf. Ayalon, D., Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p.16.
FootnotesThe shape corresponds with a fire grenade in the Kars Museum, no.14.09.2009. 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.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 1361
Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
-
Elamite Socketted Spearhead
1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £167
With tapering split socket, stepped shoulders and two-edged triangular head; pronounced midrib, bands of low-relief chevron and braid detailing, attachment pin. 180 grams, 28 cm
From a Mayfair, London, gallery, 1990s. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead Collection
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Including a slender leaf-shaped type, square-section tanged type and others. 67.1 grams total, 5.8-12.3 cm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. -
Viking Age Bearded Iron Axehead
11th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
With broad curved blade and pointed chin, broad neck, deep socket with lateral flanges. 698 grams, 15.5 cm
From the collection of a Californian, USA, gentleman, dating back to the late 1960s.
During the mid 13th century, the axes were favourite weapons among Baltic people. For instance the Curonian army included lightly armed soldiers who fought with spears, shields, fighting knives and axes. A heavily armed soldier could also carry a sword, a helmet, a shield and a wide-bladed axe.
