Western Asiatic Bronze Spear Blade

Biconical in profile with a brownish patina, one side decorated with a double-axe labrys. 30.5 grams, 27 mm



Previously property of an Austrian collector, Vienna, Austria. From a German private collection, formed since the 1980s.

Since Minoan times, the labrys was an important symbol in the Greek world, illustrating power. This glans can be linked to lead bullets showing the same labrys symbol on one side and the name 'ΤΕΙΣΕΑ' on the other side. The name 'Τεισέας' might come from Caria or Lycia.

Bulbous body with rounded base and domed filler hole, two circumferential bands above the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 760 grams, 11.6 cm



Ex important collection of weaponry, London, UK, 1980-1990s. 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.

A 1796 Pattern with gently curved single-edged blade with thick back, fuller to both sides for most of the blade's length, broad 'hatchet' tip; swept guard with D-shaped side-lugs to protect the scabbard from damp; short grip with leather and cord binding; back with legend 'J.J.Reinkel Solingen'; grip cracked. 809 grams, 95 cm



From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s.