Viking Age Iron Socketted Spearhead

Of Couronian type with straight blade tapering towards the point, shallow, tapering fullers, narrow tang, and boat-shaped lower guard with Jellinge Style decoration with wheel-type decoration to both sides, five-lobed pommel rivetted at the top; accompanied by a scabbard with Jellinge Style interlace decoration. 705 grams, 87.3 cm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. 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.12915-245172.

One of the most characteristic and numerous sword types in the early medieval period from the Baltic territory is a special type of a double-edged sword, characteristic of the entire Eastern Baltic region, which is known as the ‘Couronian’ sword, the name given by Latvian archaeologist E. Šturms in his article in 1936, based on the finds from his country.

Ovoid in profile with rounded base; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 922 grams, 14 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.

Comprising three variously sized rings, one with floral decoration. 17.4 grams total, 28-30 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.