Loading, please wait...
LOT 1569
Viking Age Iron Hook-Billed Axehead
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
6 1/2 in. (347 grams, 16.5 cm).
Broad blade with thickened edge, rounded socket with lateral triangular extensions. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx North American collection, 1970s.
LiteratureCf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.14(1); Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.CXXIV, item 4.
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.
-
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Ovoid body with impressed ring to the shoulder, domed filler-hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 251 grams, 84 mm
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. -
North-Western Persian Bronze Blade
Circa 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With a long tapering blade having rounded shoulders and a prominent mid-rib, the tang bent over at the tip with a round stud terminal. 230 grams, 33.5 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
The metalworking techniques used in making bronze weapons in early Iran were very complex. Surfaces were often finished in repoussé work, and some of the weapons were chased, others engraved. The ruling elites of warrior horsemen were buried with their weapons and horses. -
Luristan Bronze Socketted Axehead
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With a short socketted shaft and flange to the mouth, the blade broadening towards the cutting edge. 335 grams, 11.6 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
