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LOT 1862
Villanovan Bronze Spear Butt End
IRON AGE, CIRCA 8TH CENTURY B.C.
4 3/8 in. (71 grams, 11.2 cm).
A conical hollow-form tube with ribbed neck, pierced through the sides for attachment. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
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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Western Asiatic Bronze Tanged Spearhead
12th-11th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Comprising a triangular blade with a facetted, flaring neck and a rectangular-section tang. 288 grams, 30 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
The weapon belongs to the type 1 of the spear-head classification of Khorasani, mainly originating from Marlik or Amlash areas. Similar pieces have been dated by Stutzinger to 1200-1100 B.C. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Piriform body with domed filler hole, impressed circumferential bands on the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 718 grams, 16 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s. 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. -
Large Medieval Tanged Iron Incendiary Fire Arrowhead
Circa 13th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Comprising a long slender tang and balustered neck, rectangular head with 'chisel' blade, median slot and hole for attachment of flammable material. 31.9 grams, 16.9 cm
Acquired from a USA private collector in the 1990s. Ex Buckinghamshire, UK, collection.
