Belgian Pinfire Pocket Revolver

Pear-shaped ceramic vessel with domed filler-hole, circumferential impressed bands to the shoulder and equator; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 490 grams, 15 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 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. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.

Single and double action twelve shot 9mm calibre revolver with 13cm (5¼") round barrel with extractor rod mounted at right and hinged loading gate with Liege proof marks and marked 'CAL 9mm' to right frame with serial number 2676; fitted with plain wood scale grips and lanyard ring (usually fitted to revolvers intended for military use); action working well. 975 grams, 25 cm



Acquired from Bolk Antique Arms, Netherlands, 2016. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by Bolk invoice and details.

Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the Firearms Act, 1968, to be held as a curiosity or ornament. No license required but buyer must be over 18 years of age. Overseas bidders should note that, due to UK regulations governing export of all firearms, overseas buyers will need to make arrangements for shipping this lot out of the UK directly, by air freight, with a specialist company or agent.

Mainly of leaf-shaped type with short tangs, including examples with midribs. 268 grams total, 14.5-19 cm



Acquired 1990s. From the collection of a late Japanese weaponry collector.