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LOT 1463
Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
13TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
6 3/8 in. (427 grams, 16.2 cm).
A hollow vessel with cylindrical body, short neck and domed mouth, four raised lugs to the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a specialist London, UK, arms and armour collection, 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.
FootnotesThis was a type 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1463
Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
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Luristan Bronze Arrows and Blades Group
13th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Comprising mainly narrow two-edged blades, barbed-and-tanged arrowheads and other types. 503 grams total, 9-20.7 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. -
Luristan Bronze Spearhead
Late 2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
With ovate blade, central round rib and curved shoulders, the cylindrical long shaft widening towards the end, encasing a rectangular tang with bent tip. 351 grams, 44 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
Similar spearheads were excavated in Marlik. Negahban stated that based upon the evidence on archaeological finds from West-North Iran, this type of spearhead may be dated to the final centuries of 2nd millennium B.C. -
Luristan Bronze Spearhead Blade
14th-10th century B.C.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £130
With rounded shoulders and square-sectioned mid-rib running to the blade tip; short tang with fastening hole. 45 grams, 46.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The spearhead belongs to the type VI spearhead of the Khorasani classification. It is characterised by a long blade and short tang, slightly rounded shoulders and pronounced midrib. Similar weapons were excavated by Prof. Negahban in the royal cemetery of Marlik.
