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LOT 1026
Ummayad Bronze Spearhead
7TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
13 3/8 in. (245 grams, 34 cm).
Formed with a broadly triangular blade, narrow neck and tapering round-section socket.
ProvenanceEx old English collection.
The Kusmirek Collection, UK.
Cf. Nicolle, D., The military technology of the Classical Islam, Edinburgh, 1982, volume I, fig.120.
FootnotesThe basic Arabic term for a spear or lance, whether used by cavalry or infantry, was rumh. In the 7th century it normally would have been ten or twelve cubits long, i.e. four and a half metres.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1026
Ummayad Bronze Spearhead
Estimate £300 - 400€350 - 460 (for guidance only)$410 - 540 (for guidance only)
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Luristan Bronze Barbed Arrowhead
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Formed with a midrib and tapering rectangular-section tang. 31 grams, 15.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Byzantine Ceramic 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £163
Composed of a piriform body with 'feather' design and eccentrically placed domed mouth; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, and used as a hand grenade; chipped foot. 613 grams, 17 cm
Collected before 1970. Ex gallery of C.M., UK. 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'.
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. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
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Roman Julius Caesar Lead Sling Shot from the Battle of Munda
45 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
Bearing a monogram: a combination of the letters 'C', 'A' and 'E', for 'C A E S' referring to Julius Caesar. 65.04 grams, 37 mm
Fine condition.
Found near to a village close to Seville, 1960-1970. From an old Spanish collection. Swiss private collection. Accompanied by a copy of the Spanish export licence. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 4th May 2022 and titled Roman Res Publica - Lead Slingshots (glandes) of Caesarian Age - 45 B.C circa.
The shot (type IIb of the Völling classification) is marked with the abbreviated name of Julius Caesar; it was used in quantity at the Battle of Monda (or Munda) against the last fellows of Pompey, the leaders of the Optimates, on the 17th March 45 B.C. Similar shots were used in the civil war among Pompey and Caesar, and in all Caesar's wars. The funditores of Caesar's age were part of the light infantry. Caesar speaks of his Balearic slingers during the conquest of Gaul, who were usually covered by a short tunic, leather or rope sandals, a coat to cover them, but which could also have been used to store projectiles. Rather, they used a satchel to carry very deadly lead-like stones or bullets. The men employed several slings: one was tied around the head for quick employment should the other break during the battle.
