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LOT 1780
Western Asiatic Bronze Axehead
LATE 3RD-EARLY 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
4 1/2 in. (446 grams, 11.4 cm).
With a short socketted shaft, the plain rectangular blade broadening towards the cutting edge; side holes on the shaft.
ProvenanceEx Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
LiteratureCf. Mahboubian, H., Art of the Ancient Iran, London, 1997, no.402b, for similar; Gorelik, M., Weapons of Ancient East, IV millennium BC-IV century BC, Saint Petersburg, 2003, pl.XIX, nos.72-75, from Luristan.
FootnotesUnadorned weapons, especially axes, adzes, and picks, were made by Luristan craftsmen using simple clay or stone bivalve moulds, into which a core was inserted to form the socket for the shaft. Typically, the metallic composition consisted of a combination of arsenical bronze and copper, together with a small percentage of lead.
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LOT 1780
Western Asiatic Bronze Axehead
Estimate £200 - 300€230 - 350 (for guidance only)$270 - 410 (for guidance only)
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Luristan Bronze Tanged Lancehead
800-600 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
With a tapering rectangular-section blade and a short tang. 239 grams, 31 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
These shoulderless spearheads are introducing the Luristan and Hamadan in the Median and Achaemenid Periods. The bronze type was cast in a mould, and the length suggests it was a throwing weapon or used in conjunction with a chariot. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Piriform in profile with linear decoration on the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 680 grams, 13.8 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. -
Viking Age Iron Bearded Axehead
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
With a broad, curved blade and a narrow neck, a round socket with an extended edge to the reverse. 358 grams, 15.1 cm
Ex North American collection, 1970s-1980s.
