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LOT 1521
Western Asiatic Bronze Spear Blade
2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
12 7/8 in. (309 grams, 32.6 cm).
Comprising a triangular blade with a broad midrib, a short neck and a square-section tang with a bent finial.
ProvenanceEx Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
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:
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LOT 1521
Western Asiatic Bronze Spear Blade
Estimate £180 - 240€210 - 280 (for guidance only)$240 - 320 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£90 (EUR 104; USD 122) +BP*
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Piriform body with domed filler-hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 787 grams, 12.9 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. -
Roman Lead Slingshot of Quintus Sertorius
Circa 82-72 B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Bids: 2 | Current Bid: £10
Lentoid in form with raised legend to reverse 'Q.SERT / PRO C'; casting seam and flange. 59.6 grams, 37 mm
Acquired on the UK art market, early 2000s. Property of a London, UK, antiquarian.
The inscription may refer to Quintus Sertorius, the Roman statesman and general (123-72 BC). In late 82 BC, Sertorius, linked to the party of populares of Gaius Marius, was proscribed by Sulla and forced from his province in Hispania. However, he soon returned in early 80 BC, representing himself as a Roman proconsul resisting the Sullan regime at Rome. Being Proconsul in this Hispania from 82 to 73 B.C., the slingshots of his army were bearing the inscription 'Q.SERT / PRO C' (Quintus Sertorius Proconsul). -
Western Asiatic Bronze Spear Blade
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £180 - 240 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £90
Comprising a tapering leaf-shaped blade with a raised midrib and a short tapering tang. 245 grams, 35 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
