Byzantine AE Three(?) Unciae Weight

Double-tongue type with rectangular loop, square plate with applied cross pommée and central gold cell; slider to the reverse. 15.2 grams, 52 mm



From the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s.

Piriform body with vertical ribs to the body, interstitial panels of impressed foliage ornament, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 573 grams, 14 cm



From a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 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 piece was a sort of a ceramic fire grenade, similar to the ones used by the Eastern Romans but of Turco-Mongol type. Apart from the use of manual flame-throwers, special corps of soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations, even in Burma.

Comprising two hinged plates and articulated suspension loop with hatched decoration; the obverse with Corpus Christi and four busts of the evangelists; the reverse blank flat-section plate, two rivets through the cross. 47.6 grams, 80 cm



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