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_900x900.jpg "Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade")
_200x200.jpg "Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade")
.jpg "Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade")
LOT 1482
Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
13TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
5 7/8 in. (590 grams, 15 cm).
A piriform missile with raised lugs arranged in pairs, impressed lines and concentric circles in between, domed filler hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. 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. 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:
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LOT 1482
Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
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Greek Macedonian Lead Inscribed Slingshot
3rd-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
Biconical in profile with casting seam and reserved legend 'ΥΔΑ'. 34.5 grams, 31 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The leaden bullets, which were thrown from slings, were called in Greek Molivdainai (μολύβδαιναι), and in Latin glandes; the former indicating the material ‘lead’, the latter the shape ‘acorns’. These bullets, were cast in a mould and bore letters or devices, or both, on two sides or on only one. In form they were more like an almond than an acorn, but many are pointed at both ends; in size, they are generally about one inch and a half in maximum length, and under one inch in maximum width. -
Bactrian Bronze Animal Axehead
13th-12th century B.C.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Featuring a low-relief depiction of a hunting dog on each side of the socket, lobed rear plate and broad, D-shaped blade with a raised, dentilled panel along the cutting edge; mounted on a custom-made stand. 780 grams total, 22 cm including stand
Private family collection, acquired in the 1970s. with a London gallery. with TimeLine Auctions, 24 February 2018, no.341. Private collection, London, UK. 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 a search certificate number no.12841-240646. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Most of these axes are believed to have originated in Bactria, but some objects come from well documented contexts in Margiane (Gonur), Lut (Shahdad) and Kermanshah (Khinaman). According to Gernez they were made for ceremonial use. -
Viking Age Iron Sword Decorated Hilt
11th-13h century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,720
Double-edged cutting sword of Couronian type with tapering fullers, bronze cross-guard with Jellinge Style type decoration; five-lobed bronze pommel rivetted at the top. 814 grams, 88 cm
From 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.12784-240320. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The Couronian swords of this type with animal head decoration were widespread and used in the Eastern Baltic lands from 10th to 13th century.
