Viking Age Iron Bearded Axehead

Bulbous body with pointed finial and domed mouth, impressed concentric circles on the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 615 grams, 11.1 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'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

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.

Of Oakeshott's Type XV or XVIII, cross style 8, pommel style J (recessed) with a strongly tapering, pointed blade of 'flattened diamond'-section; tapering lower-guard with downturned finials; long, slightly tapering grip and a large disc pommel with chamfered edges, inlay to both sides with a low-relief image of Lamb of God, possibly a later addition; some contemporary repairs. 1.6 kg, 1.19 m



From the private family collection of a lady, UK; acquired in Germany mid 20th century. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12787-240329. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Many swords of this type have long grips, like the war-swords of Type XIII. After about 1350, nine swords out of ten seem to have such grips, and are today variously referred to as 'Hand-and-a-half' or 'Bastard' swords. The latter term was used in the 15th century, but it is not certain that it was applied to this particular kind of weapon. 'Hand-and-a-half'', though modern, is a far more fitting name; these swords were single-handed weapons, but by being furnished with long grips, could at need be wielded easily in both.

Egg-shaped with spiked sleeves or prongs, the top of the weapon with a narrow edge. 190 grams, 10.9 cm



Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The 'claw mace' was an enigmatic ancient bronze weapon from the Bronze Age Near East. The hollow bulbous head was trailed by tines of varying lengths. It is believed that it was affixed over a wooden shaft and used like a club in combat, and not necessarily used as ceremonial weapon. The knife edge bulb end could have broken bones and proven to be a formidable striking weapon requiring no skill to wield. The tines would have not only been decorative, but have served to add strength below the striking end to prevent breakage. In battle, maces were often used by commanders to display rank when giving orders in battle and leading soldiers, inspiring leadership and power. Egg-shaped with spiked sleeves or prongs, the top of the weapon with a narrow edge, the sleeves with small internal tangs for mounting.