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LOT 1430
Western Asiatic Bronze Spearhead
2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
16 1/4 in. (595 grams, 41.5 cm).
With foliate blade, rhomboidal in section, raised mid-rib, medium length stem widening at its base and forming a small stop, rectangular-section tang with bent terminal.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
Cf. Gorelik, M., Weapons of Ancient East, IV millennium BC-IV century BC, Saint Petersburg, 2003, in Russian, see pl.XXXIII, no.82, from Tepe Hissar.
FootnotesThe specimen belongs to the category of tripartite spears with long pointed biconvex blade and single bevelled tang. They seem to be a Mesopotamian and Susian (Elamite) variant, and this type also includes decorated blades, like the spear from Tello with the inscription 'King of Kish'. Various specimens have been found in the layers of Tepe Hissar III site.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1430
Western Asiatic Bronze Spearhead
Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)
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Medieval Enamelled Bronze Dagger Pommel
Circa 12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
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From the collection of a London antiquarian, formed since the 1980s. -
Luristan Decorated Bronze Spearhead
13th-6th century B.C.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £80
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From the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Piriform missile with domed filler-hole, petal-motifs radiating from the filler hole with annulets below, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 509 grams, 10.7 cm
From a specialist London, UK, arms and armour 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. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.
