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LOT 1793
Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead or Javelin Head with Inscribed X
LATE 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
4 1/2 in. (15.17 grams, 11.34 cm).
Leaf-shaped with two cutting edges and a broad point, low midrib, on the face an incised 'X' in a square.
ProvenanceEx Guttman collection, Germany.
with Christie's, 28 April 2004, no.27 (part).
Acquired from Bidancient and Artifacts UK, 2009.
Ex important collection of Greek artefacts, London, UK.
Cf. Milik, J.T., Cross, F.M. and Cross, Jr., 'Inscribed Javelin-Heads from the Period of Judges: A Recent Discovery in Palestine' in Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research, No. 134 (Apr., 1954), pp. 5-15, fig.1, for similar inscribed javelin or arrowheads.
FootnotesThe letter X has been found in various Semitic/Accadic or even Philistine Inscriptions in the Levant: dated between 13th-10th centuries B.C.: on the Lachish bowl no.1, on the Ruweiseh arrowhead, on a Byblian bronze spatula, on the Ahiram graffito, at Yehimilk. This suggests that the arrow or javelin head has been made in the Levant or the Fertile Crescent.
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LOT 1793
Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead or Javelin Head with Inscribed X
Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
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Luristan Bronze Short Sword with Crescent-Shaped Pommel
10th century B.C.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Current Winning Bid: £400
Comprising a triangular blade with integral ribbed handle and a crescentic pommel. 450 grams, 40 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
These kinds of bronze daggers or dirks, typical of Marlik culture, were cast in a one piece mould according to Negahban, although in some specimens the guard was later cast into the blade. The separate sets of encircling ribs on the grips are again typical of swords from the Marlik area. In our specimen the grip is opened on one side to receive organic filling. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Ovoid in profile with domed filler hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 370 grams, 10.4 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 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. -
Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Piriform in profile with a stepped neck, incised decoration and three raised lugs; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 534 grams, 14 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s.
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.
