Viking Age Iron Bearded Axehead

Bulbous body with rounded base and domed filler-hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 682 grams, 11.3 cm



From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s. 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.

Comprising: two-edged lenticular-section piled blade (Oakshott's Type XII) with gentle taper overall to a narrow point; quillons round in section with taper to ends and hooked finial; broad flat-section tang tapering to the upper end; disc pommel of Oakshott's Type K with scooped border to each face, central disc with beaded rim, inner heater-shaped panel with reserved cross potent. 1.32 kg, 101 cm



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.13303-257659.

Ovoid body with circular socket. 435 grams, 86 mm



From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman, 1990s.