Viking Age and Later Iron Axehead Group

With a piriform body and domed mouth, stepped rings to the foot, engraved decoration on the shoulders with crosses and grapes; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 573 grams, 15 cm



Acquired 1990s. From the H.N. collection, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, 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 Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also in 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.

Mainly comprising socketted axeheads and hammer-butt adzes, together with other weapons. 9.5 kg total, 16-23.5 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

On type of axehead here presented, with similar specimens found in the territories of the Teutonic Order, was by far the most popular form of axe which remains unchangeable and continues to be used in the Baltic to this day. It appears in East European territories as early as the mid 13th century A.D.

An iron single-edged angle-backed knife with tapering tang; silver and latten inlay to both faces. 166 grams, 27.5 cm



Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.