Ovoid in profile with scrolled linear decoration and impressed pellets; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 400 grams, 10.7 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'.

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.

Each a curved steel blade with two fullers, stamped 'SYRIE'; waisted bronze grip with applied bone panels, tendril ornament and 'SYRIA' legend to reverse; cast scabbard with suspension rings, guilloche decoration and 'SYRIA' legend. 655 grams total, 26.5-27 cm



Acquired during the 1960s. From an old North London oriental and ethnographical collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.

Comprising: one heater-shaped with openwork raven motif to each face; one similar with openwork raven enmeshed in tendrils; one with fleur-de-lys to the centre of each upper edge and a lobed spur to each side; one with openwork quatrefoil to each face and knop finial to the apex. 145 grams total, 55-85 mm



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.

With thick straight back and gently tapering cutting edge, flat tang pierced to accept rivets to attach scales. 264 grams, 42.3 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. From an East Anglian, UK, private collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.

Mainly triangular-headed barbed and tanged types with midrib. 139 grams total, 13.5-18.2 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

D-shaped stirrup with square-section frame, rectangular footplate with projections to the underside, accretion to the suspension loop at the top. 948 grams, 25.5 cm high



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Harling, Breckland, Norfolk, on Monday 5th February 2024. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.NMS-396237.

Each socketted with a side lug and raised midrib. 20.4 grams total, 43-48 mm



From a private Tyneside collection, formed since the early 2000s.

Piriform in profile with domed mouth and impressed motifs to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 400 grams, 10.5 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'.

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.

With long tubular shank lared at the mouth, carinated bulb. 364 grams, 17.5 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Flat in section and trapezoidal in plan with two lateral spurs, straight edge. 175 grams, 15.7 cm



From a private East European collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.

Mainly triangular-headed and leaf-shaped barbed and tanged types. 232 grams total, 8-13.7 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Comprising three variously sized rings, one with floral decoration. 17.4 grams total, 28-30 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.