Loading, please wait...
LOT 1493
Viking Age Ugro-Finnian Battle Axehead
11TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
6 1/8 in. (200 grams, 15.5 cm).
A hand-forged iron axehead with square chin to the blade, flanges raised to the socket, rear round hammer-head. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
LiteratureCf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, plate LII, item 15.
FootnotesThe more commonly used weapons of the Finno-Ugrian people were axes, commonly found in all Finnic areas, as well as spears. Iron axeheads of this typology show a sub-trapezoidal asymmetrical blade.
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.
-
Chinese Serpentine and Gilt Bronze Ceremonial Axe
Qing Dynasty, 19th-early 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Comprising a serpentine pelta-shaped blade with taotie motif, bronze socket formed as a stylised fish with a lizard on its back, open mouth to accept the staff; in archaic style. 513 grams, 23.5 cm
Acquired UK, in the 1980s. Property of a retired South West London doctor -
Amlash Bronze Figural Pendant
Circa 10th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Fertility figure with openwork decoration, loop arms suspending pendants formed as slender figurative horned animals; suspension loop to reverse and cage-style torso. 74 grams, 97 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Piriform body with domed filler-hole, the upper body divided into segments radiating from the filler-hole, each with impressed chevron and annulet decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 427 grams, 11 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'.
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.
