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LOT 1379
Viking Age Iron Bearded Axe-Hammer
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
5 7/8 in. (310 grams, 15 cm).
With a curved blade and swept chin, narrow neck, flanged socket and hammer extension to the rear with domed head. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx North American collection, 1970s-1990s.
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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Amarlu Type Bronze Sword with Mushroom Pommel
Late 2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
With solid hilt having a penannular guard, an openwork grip and a conical cast mushroom pommel, the blade with pronounced mid-rib and tapering to a sharp point. 598 grams, 51.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
According to Moorey, such swords with mushroom pommels originated from North-Western Iran, as proved by Amarlu finds. He dates them to the end of the 2nd millennium B.C., more precisely to a period between 1400-1200 B.C. -
Eurasian Tinned Bronze Sword Chape
12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Modelled as an openwork duck perching with wings folded and bill open; integral feather and other detailing; broken. 110 grams total, 84-89 mm
UK gallery, early 2000s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Piriform in profile with domed neck, impressed roundels to the foot. 755 grams, 15.5 cm
From a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 1990s onwards. 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. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.
