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LOT 1367
Western Asiatic Bronze Sword Sheath
2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
22 in. (355 grams, 56 cm).
Triangular in plan, terminating in an exaggerated curving point; the outer face pierced towards the top and with a raised midrib; the convex interior possibly containing fragmentary remains of a weapon.
ProvenanceFrom a Japanese collection, 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Moorey, P., Catalogue of Ancient Persian Bronzes in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, 1971, no.60, for a sword contained in a similar sheath.
FootnotesScabbards with a curve at their base are shown on reliefs and seals from Anatolia from the middle of the second millennium to the 9th century B.C.
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Piriform body with segmented shoulder and impressed roundels, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 420 grams, 10.8 cm
From a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 1990s onwards. 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. -
Medieval Socketted Iron Crossbow Bolt Head with Triangle Maker's Mark
15th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
With pyramidal point, square-section shaft, tubular socket and a pelletted triangle maker's mark. 36.3 grams, 66 mm
Tucker collection, Buckinghamshire, UK; formed in the 1980s. Property of a Kent lady collector. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Tanged Spearhead
Circa 13th-6th century B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
With leaf-shaped blade and rounded tip, pronounced medial rib and shoulder flanges, short flat-section tang. 255 grams, 31 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The spearhead belongs to type 2 of spearheads according to the classification of Khorasani. A similar specimen was excavated by Negahban in Marlik.
