Loading, please wait...
LOT 1489
Western Asiatic Bronze Blade
3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
10 in. (133 grams, 25.2 cm).
Two-edged leaf-shaped dagger blade with flat rectangular tang, flared at the shoulders.
ProvenanceEx Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
LiteratureSee Maxwell-Hyslop, R., 'Daggers and swords in Western Asia: a Study from Prehistoric Times to 600BC,' in Iraq, Volume 8, 1946, pp.1-65, pl.I, type 1.
FootnotesThis was one of the earliest forms of Western Asiatic daggers, but until the blade was strengthened by thickening or by having a midrib at the centre, and rivets were introduced, it must have often buckled up on impact. However, when compared to the earliest Egyptian types with its short triangular blade, this Asiatic dagger is longer, narrower, and probably more useful as an offensive weapon.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead Collection
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Each a narrow barbed-and-tanged type with a thick midrib. 216 grams total, 12.6-18.5 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. -
.jpg)
Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead Collection
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
Comprising tanged arrowheads, four with large elongated triangular blades and raised midrib, sharp central groove, three with barbed shoulders and cylindrical stem with handle for the shaft; three with barbed shoulders and convex on sides, one elongated triangular type with barbed shoulders and flat socket, one with trilobate blade and another with short tang and barbed blade with raised midrib. 305 grams total, 6.5-13.6 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.
These arrowheads seem to belong to the type V, subcategory types A, B, C and D according to the classification of Khorasani and Negahban. In the four categories of triangular bronze arrowheads from Luristan, Marlik, and Northern Iran, individuated by Negahban, subtypes C and D of type V are larger arrow or javelin heads, C with barbed shoulders and D with round shoulders. Most of them were cast in moulds. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Ovoid in profile with a rounded base, two incised circumferential bands above the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 666 grams, 10 cm
From a specialist collection, London, UK, 1990-2000s. 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.
