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LOT 1817
Viking Age Iron Bearded Axe-Hammer
CIRCA 9TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
7 3/4 in. (327 grams, 19.6 cm).
With a broad curved blade, a narrow neck, a square hammer extension to the rear; round socket with lateral triangular extensions. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx North American collection, 1970s-1980s.
LiteratureCf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, plate LII, item 15, for type.
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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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Ovoid in profile with a domed filler hole, a circumferential line above the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 474 grams, 14.6 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 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. -
Antique Wooden Crossbow
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Carved, stocky body with an iron suspension ring, rope cable and iron trigger. 1.38 kg, 75 cm wide
Private collection, London, UK. (For sale only to bidders of at least 18 years of age. UK buyers only.) -
Luristan Bronze Macehead
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
With a globular body and tubular socket with two raised collars above and a flaring base; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 329 grams total, mace: 83 mm
From the collection of the late Sir Clinton Charles Donald Cory, 5th Baronet of Coryton. Ex Philip Auction House, 24 September 1985.
