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LOT 1419
Western Asiatic Bronze Flat Axe
4TH MILLENNIUM B.C.
7 1/4 in. (138 grams, 18.5 cm).
Formed with a rounded butt and slightly flared cutting edge; flat in cross-section.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
Cf. Çetin, A., Bilgi, Ö., Weapons of the Protohistoric Age, Istanbul, 1989, figs.21-22, pp.50-51.
FootnotesThis type of flat axes appeared in the last phase of the Late Chalcolithic Age. Flat axes without lugs were used as cutting tools or in war. In the later examples the sides of the blades was gradually widening towards the convex cutting edge.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1419
Western Asiatic Bronze Flat Axe
Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
With broad shoulder, short neck, domed square-shaped lip and conical base, broad medial band, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 472 grams, 10.7 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. 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'.
The effectiveness of these grenades was much lower than the fire liquid thrown by the siphons. They were thrown by hand as it is evident by the presence of some sort of handle on the body of some of them to better allow the grip of the object (Raimondo, 2000 Plate 11a; fig. 4, c-d). Nothing excludes that they were also launched at more long distance with catapults or other war engines. The presence of a fuse for triggering the explosion is evidenced by the narrow mouth of the largest part of the grenades. -
Luristan Bronze Dirk
Circa 1000 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
Composed of a leaf-shaped blade with a raised penannular rib and slot below the shoulder connected to the grip with lateral flanges and integral pommel, recessed to accept an organic insert. 231 grams, 39 cm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
This dirk, cast in one piece mould, belongs to the daggers that Medvedskaya believes support the thesis that majority of them were cast in one piece. However, there are examples where the penannular grip was cast on later. -
Byzantine Iron Spathion Sword
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
An Eastern Roman spathion with long, double-edged parallel blade, a tapering, medium length tang, retaining possible remains of the fabrica mark in the middle, near the rivet hole for the handle. 698 grams, 81cm
Acquired 1970-1980. From the collection of a Surrey gentleman.
