Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History, Stamps & Coins

Ovoid body with pointed base and domed filler-hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 510 grams, 11.9 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.

Two-edged jambiya with narrow curved blade, two deep fullers and punched detailing with inset turquoise-coloured pellet; brass bolster and applied bone panels to the grip, silver facing to pommel; brass sheath with low-relief foliage and figural ornament, suspension rings. 211 grams, 23.2 cm



Previously acquired on the UK art market in the early 2000s. This item is for collection from our premises only.

The blade with rounded shoulders, the raised midrib extending to the shaft, a rectangular-section tang below. 400 grams, 33.8 cm



Ex Abelita family collection, 1990s.

Triangular blade with raised midrib and a short tang. 134 grams, 28.4 cm



Ex Abelita family collection, 1990s.

With a globular body and a short cylindrical socket. 335 grams, 78 mm



From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman, 1990s.

Lenticular type with casting seam to the rim, raised legend 'ΛΥΣΙΑ' (commander's name, Lisia) on one side. 39.1 grams, 29 mm



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

Lenticular type with casting seam to the rim, raised iconic Greek letter A (alpha) on one side, and the other with raised pellets. 30.9 grams, 33 mm



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

Comprising tanged arrowheads, most with barbs. 114 grams total, 36-53 mm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Slender blade with raised midrib and a short tang. 217 grams, 39.7 cm



Ex Abelita family collection, 1990s.

Ovoid body with circular socket. 435 grams, 86 mm



From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman, 1990s.

Facetted lentoid-section sling shot (glans) with inscription in Latin letters 'CN' (Cneius) 'MAG' (Magnus) on one side, and 'IMP' for 'IMPERATOR' (victorious general) to the other side, i.e., Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus Imperator (Pompey the Great the victorious general). 71.2 grams, 51 mm



Previously from a private Spanish collection. Ex London, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by a copy of a Spanish export licence.

The shot (Völling type 1C) is marked with the abbreviated name of Gnaeus Pompey; it was used in quantity at the Battle of Monda (or Munda) against Julius Caesar, 17th March 45 BC. The projectiles could be of different material: in lead (glandes) or in pottery or stone (lapides missiles). Sometimes they were signed with the name of the general, as is our specimen.

With a narrow, slightly angled blade and a tubular socket. 374 grams, 13.1 cm



Ex Abelita collection, 1990s.