Viking Iron Danish Type Broad Axehead

With a piriform body and domed mouth, stepped rings to the foot, engraved decoration on the shoulders with crosses and grapes; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 573 grams, 15 cm



Acquired 1990s. From the H.N. collection, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, UK. 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 Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also in bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.

Carved in mottled pale grey jade with radiating lotus leaves around the central hole, applied gold wire hoop and tendril detailing with two emeralds and six cabochon rubies inset, the central flower with inset teardrop facetted diamond; with a thin crack to the back of the hoop. 15.5 grams, 44.55 mm overall, 21.86 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z, USA 12 1/2, Europe 28.77, Japan 27).



Formerly in the family collection of a Hampstead gentleman, from the 1980s. Acquired in TimeLine Auctions sale 119, lot 2518. Property of a Kent collector.

Composed of a cylindrical socket with channeled lip to upper edge and raised rib to top face, convex cutting edge and raised ridge to butt. 371 grams, 10.2 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.