Loading, please wait...
LOT 1374
Viking Age Iron Bearded Axehead
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
4 3/8 in. (221 grams, 11.1 cm).
With triangular-section narrow blade widening to a broad bevelled edge and square chin, flared socket. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a Californian, USA, gentleman, dating back to the late 1960s.
LiteratureCf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.CXXIV, item 3.
FootnotesThe more commonly used weapons of the Finno-Ugrian people were axes, commonly found in all Finnic areas, as well as spears. Iron axeheads of this typology show a sub-trapezoidal asymmetrical blade, often perforated through the centre.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Luristan Bronze Arrowhead Group
14th-10th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Comprising tanged arrowheads, including barbed and leaf-shaped examples. 158 grams total, 8-10.5 cm
Acquired 1990s. From the collection of a late Japanese weaponry collector.
The arrowheads seems to belong to the subtypes A and B of the Khorasani classification. They are mainly small triangular arrowheads with rounded and barbed shoulders. Some have angular or rounded midribs. The characteristic is also the cylindrical stem and the rectangular-sectioned tang. Many similar arrowheads were found in the Marlik excavations. -
Large Romano-British Bronze Military Boss
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Substantial cast cupola with dimple to the apex, reverse with two ferrous attachment spikes; possibly from a field artillery piece. 174 grams total, 74 mm wide
Reputed to have been excavated near Viables in Hampshire at the end of the 19th century. From the estate of the late Jennifer Simmonds. Acquired from Jacobs & Hunt auctioneers, Petersfield, Hampshire, UK. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Piriform body with domed filler-hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 580 grams, 12.5 cm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. 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.
