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LOT 1192
Western Asiatic Bronze Spearhead
CIRCA 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
11 1/4 in. (186 grams, 28.5 cm).
Triangular profile with projecting midribs, round shank with raised collar above the square-section tapered tang.
ProvenanceEx German collection, Cologne, 1980-1990s.
LiteratureCf. Gernez, G., L’armament en métal au Proche et Moyen-Orient: des origines a 1750 av. J.C., Paris, 2007, fig.2.88, subtype of tripartite spears L.2.Bc, for the type.
FootnotesThis variant of the tripartite spear is characterised by a rhomboidal or swollen section blade, often with a short intermediate part widened so as to form a clean stop and with a curved tang, sometimes ending in a button (here unfortunately missing). Most spears have medium dimensions (23 cm to 36 cm), but others are elongated (more than 50 cm).
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £176
Irregular pear-shaped ceramic vessel with domed filler-hole, impressed rings and vertical bars to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 980 grams, 15 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 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. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
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WWII 'RAF' Bomber (Mosquito) Helmet, Map and Whistle Group
1941 A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Comprising: a type C leather open face helmet wired for type B communication, oxygen mask with hose and alloy-framed flying goggles with padded leather and rubber band, the frames stamped 'Stadium Made in England Patent Reg Design'; the helmet with webbing chin strap, buckles and stud fasteners, chamois leather lining bearing ink stamp and handwritten 'Adams Progressive' 'No.75-78', plug holder with paper label, tubular oxygen mask inlet marked 'MLD 18' 'MC253D', microphone plug and hose with brass connector stamped 'D/156'; together with an RAF flight map and an RAF 'ditching' whistle of classic snail type with Air Ministry's crown markings and reference numbers '23/230' and '293/14/L1795'; the helmet mounted on a wooden 'mannequin' head. 6.1 kg, 31 cm
Acquired from J C Militaria and Historic Flying Clothing Company. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by copies of listings for each item.
This type of helmet and system was introduced in 1941 A.D. -
Avar-Byzantine Silver-Gilt Sword Belt Mount Group
7th-9th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £89
Comprising three belt mounts later remounted onto brown leather comprising: a rectangular strap end with rounded terminal, decorated with granulated borders, lozenges and chevrons; two roughly D-shaped mounts with apex flourish and waisted sides, also decorated with granulated lozenges and chevrons. 26.5 grams, 12.2 cm long
Fine condition.
Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Ex an important central London gallery, London W1.
This type of belt element decorated with granulation, is present in the Avar graves of the second half of the 7th century, and was most likely produced in the workshops of the Eastern Roman Empire, from where they reached the Avar lands as imperial gifts (tomb of Kunbàboni) or spoils of war. They were part of multiple belts, to which sabers and knives were attached, commonly used among Avars, Bulgars and Romans during the 7th and 8th centuries AD.
