Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead Group

Large rounded two-part bowl rivetted beneath the repoussé crest extending across the brow and around the circumference; repoussé arches above the eyes extending to the nasal; lateral D-shaped cheek-pieces with scallop to the forward edge, pierced for a chin-strap; some restoration of the bowl and one cheek-piece; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 4.7 kg total, 48 cm high including stand



Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector. 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.11751-202770.

According both to Symonenko and Dedjulkin (2014, p.189, fig.9, nn.4-5-6), this category of helmet derives from Chalcidian types (with pseudo-Illyrian elements). As with Chalcidian helmets, our specimen shows vertical decorative lines on the bowl and triangular brow ornament. Distinct from Attic types, it does not have a protruding neck guard introduced on variant III of such helmets (Symonenko, 2014, fig. 15,2-3). According to Dedjulkin, these helmets derive from Greek prototypes, but are simplifications of the original models and made by local artisans. They were widely worn by mercenaries in the Hellenised armies of Pontus and other Hellenistic kingdoms across the Eastern Mediterranean.

With pierced crescent motifs to the shank, free-running star-shaped rowel and geometric engraving to heelband with lozengiform terminals. 349 grams, 22 cm



Acquired from Czerny's Auctions, Italy, 2016, lot 390. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by copy of Czerny's invoice and lot details.

Egg-shaped ceramic vessel with domed filler-hole, impressed rings and raised vertical flanges to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 565 gram, 13 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 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. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of 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.