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LOT 1545
Western Asiatic Polished Stone Macehead
3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
3 in. (335 grams, 78 mm).
With a globular body and a short cylindrical socket.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a London, UK, gentleman, 1990s.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Elamite Bronze Dagger with Decorated Hilt
2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,950
Leaf-shaped blade with a separately cast hilt; blade tapering to a point, incised with three lines of incised linear decoration; hilt with flared guard, pierced with a pin and with a raised geometric pattern. 165 grams, 24.5 cm
Acquired on the UK art market, 1990s. Private collection, New York, USA. -
Luristan Bronze Axehead
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With a short socketted shaft and flange to the mouth, broadening blade towards the cutting edge. 291 grams, 10.1 cm
Ex Abelita collection, 1990s. -
Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Piriform in profile with a stepped neck, incised decoration and three raised lugs; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 427 grams, 14.8 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 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.
