Western Asiatic Iron Axehead

With rounded shoulders and square-sectioned mid-rib running to the blade tip; short tang with fastening hole. 319 grams, 42.5 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

The Luri people produced a quantity of fine metalwork, which according to Dr Khorasani, could be due to a settled period which arose as a result of the defeat of the Elamites by the Babylonians, leaving the Luristani people in relative peace for a period of time after 1200 BC. According to Khorasani 'A culture of innovation and experimentation flourished, and the repertoire of the Luristan smiths expanded in the period between 1150–1050 BC.'

Piriform in profile with domed mouth, circumferential band of impressed arcading to the shoulder. 380 grams, 11.5 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.

Including narrow two-edged dagger blade, barbed-and-tanged arrowhead and other types. 422 grams total, 7.5-20.5 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.