Western Asiatic Bronze Socketted Axehead

With a prominently curved guard, extending out from the ricasso of the blade and partly frames the hilt, a thick midrib extending slightly above the ricasso where it held the hilt. 250 grams, 38.5 cm



Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.

The hilt of such swords was made separately, and unfortunately, is nearly always missing from the archaeological records. Similar daggers had a northern Iranian background, and excavated examples have been recorded from the South Caspian Area from Tomadjan and Ghalekuti.

Ovoid in profile with a rounded base and a gently ribbed body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 774 grams, 14.6 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.

Short tubular socket, perpendicular rectangular-section blade with convex cutting edge. 326 grams, 11.1 cm



From an old English collection, 1980s.