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LOT 1354
Viking Age Iron Stirrup with Laten Inlay
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
6 1/4 in. (291 grams, 16 cm).
Comprising an ovoid body with a rectangular void to accept a strap; the lower section broad with a rib to the underside, the upper flat in section with latten panel inlay to one face. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
LiteratureCf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, grave 735, for type.
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:
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Elamite War Chariot Wheel Fittings
Late 3rd-early 2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £6,240
Comprising five large wheel clamps and twenty conical rivets; each C-section clamp with tongue-shaped later lugs with rivets to both sides; mounted on a custom-made wheel-shaped display mount. 19.35 kg, 98 cm diameter
Acquired before 1983. Ex London gallery, 1990s. 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 a search certificate number no.12038-216335.
The custom of burying the deceased with chariots and the respective yoked animals has been documented since the 3rd millennium B.C. Bronze wheel clamps similar to these have been found in Elamite and Urartian graves, and are consistent with Assyrian and Elamite models. These clamps have important parallels, including those found from the Susa region which show an affinity with Assyrian iconography. -
Civil War Iron Cannon Ball
Circa mid 17th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Solid shot suitable for a saker or demi-culverine. 4.05 kg, 10 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. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Biconvex body with impressed billeted bands and domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 460 grams, 13.9 cm
From a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 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'.
The shape corresponds with a fire grenade in the Kars Museum, no.14.09.2009. 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.
