A hollow piriform missile with domed filler-hole and impressed crescents to the body, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 500 grams, 12.7 cm



From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 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'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Squat in profile with lug handle and large D-shaped nozzle, raised discus and piecrust shoulder. 70.8 grams, 84 mm



Acquired from Alan Cherry, Bournemouth, UK, circa 2005. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Formed from nine openwork bronze discs, each with a central cross botonny and incised ring-and-dot motifs, with connecting rings and separate loops; tongue-shaped strap end with riveted rear plate; round-section buckle loop with tongue curved over the forward edge. 216 grams, 69.3 cm



Acquired on the London art market before 1995. From a Russian art collector, London, UK. Property of a Californian, USA, collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Comprising a rounded body with short neck and domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 423 grams, 11.2 cm



From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 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'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Formed from two hinged plates with a recess to the inner face of each, cast suspension loop to the upper hinge; obverse with four incised equal-arm crosses and 'MIXAHΛ' (Michael) legend; reverse with low-relief image of nimbate Mary in orans pose. 56.8 grams, 10.1 cm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

A large bulbous missile with domed filler-hole and impressed lozenges to the shoulder, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 811 grams, 13.7 cm



From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 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'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Domed pelta-shaped mount with parcel-gilt obverse, reserved scrolled motif; fixing lugs to reverse. 10 grams, 26 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Penannular hoop with butted ends, disc bezel with four radiating lugs, claw setting for an iridescent glass insert. 5.68 grams, 26.56 mm overall, 18.33 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)



Acquired from Alan Cherry, Bournemouth, UK, circa 2005. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. Accompanied by a laminated identification card. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Integral loop and punched ring-and-dot decoration. 4.53 grams, 36 mm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Ellipsoid plaque with straps for the hinge, slightly domed, pierced to accept three rivets (two absent), two concentric bands of pointillé ornament, pointillé inscription in Greek in three lines: 'ΑΓΙЄ ΔΗΜΟΘΑ(sic) ΒΟΗΘΙ ΤΟ ΦΟΡ[Ο]ΝΤ' [Saint Demothas(?), help the wearer]. 9.18 grams, 35 mm



with H.A.C., Basel, prior 1999. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00034831. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Pendant cross of flared arms and central rectangular block with quatrefoil motif; pierced suspension lug. 4.54 grams, 34 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Comprising a D-shaped plate with openwork detailing and incised ring-and-dot motifs, rectangular loop with median couch; tongue with hooked forward edge; loop cracked. 19.5 grams, 55 mm



Acquired from Trinity Antiques, UK, before 2009. Property of a Bedfordshire, UK, private collector. Accompanied by an illustrated collector's identification tag. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.