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LOT 1807
Western Asiatic Stone Macehead
3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
2 1/4 in. (211 grams, 55 mm).
Doughnut-shaped body and a round socket. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a London, UK, collection, 2000s.
Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Luristan Bronze Socketted Spearhead
9th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Comprising a tapering tubular socket with raised ribs, a triangular blade with a raised midrib; ferrel collars to the shaft. 80 grams, 18.6 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
These kinds of spearheads were realised by casting in a mould. They were of different lengths and used by Luristan, Hamadan, early Median and Achaemenid warriors. The bronze rings were destined to reinforce the structure of the bronze shaft, because the blow, with this spear, was usually delivered by grasping the spear with two hands. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Large, cylindrical body with a domed filler hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 636 grams, 12.8 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. -
Greek Bronze Tanged Spearhead
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Comprising a round-section tapering shank developing to the midrib of a leaf-shaped two-edged blade, flange collar, square-section tang and hooked finial. 181 grams, 36.5 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.