With a rectangular-section hoop and a raised rectangular bezel with a stylised gryphon. 3.05 grams, 22.01 mm overall, 17.76 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)



From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

Featuring a flat-section hoop and a lentoid bezel with an inscription. 0.90 grams, 15.46 mm overall, 14.01 mm internal diameter (approximate size British F 1/2, USA 3, Europe 4.3, Japan 4)



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Bulbous body with pointed base and domed mouth, two circumferential bands above the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 403 grams, 10.5 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.

Comprising a flat-section hoop with faint remains of inscription '+ C...ON', the bezel with a stylised depiction of a military saint on a horse slaying the dragon. 4.09 grams, 22.03 mm overall, 19.28 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.63, Japan 19)



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Bulbous body with a domed mouth, a circumferential band on the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 374 grams, 11 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.

Comprising a D-section hoop and an oval bezel with a cross flanked by two adoring figures. 1.66 grams, 17.78 mm overall, 15.34 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I, USA 4 1/4, Europe 7.44, Japan 7)



From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

Plano-convex in section with reserved impression of a vertical pillar, ladder to one side, mother and infant to the other, crescent, star and other objects in the field. 15 grams, 33 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Tongue-shaped plate with a slender animal facing back, possibly depicting a ferret, pellets on the background. 7.6 grams, 41 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Stub handle to the rear, the body decorated with pellets and diagonal strokes, an expanding cross on the nozzle, flanked by two rosettes. 73 grams, 85 mm



Ex Ancient Art Shop, Windsor, UK, 1990s. Ex private West County, UK, collection.

Enkolpion cross pommée hinged at the base and closure with facetted suspension loop above; obverse with silver-inlaid cross and (abraded) monogram to each roundel; reverse with abraded Corpus Christi. 38.3 grams, 82 mm



From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s.

Transverse ribs in the shoulder and a large triskele on the nozzle, with a low basal ring. 70 grams, 81 mm



Ex Ancient Art Shop, Windsor, UK, 1990s. Ex private West County, UK, collection.

Comprising a slender large hoop and a discoid bezel with a stylised standing bird. 2.34 grams, 23.12 mm overall, 18.28 x 20.50 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.