Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant

Piriform in profile with domed mouth, impressed line and dot decoration on the upper body, raised bosses and impressed lattice to the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 567 grams, 14 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 lateral spurs to the hoop at the shoulders, round bezel with faux beaded wire collar, intaglio facing bust. 8.28 grams, 27.08 mm overall, 19.28 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)



German collection before 2000. Collection of Mr D.H. formed in UK, from the EU art market. Ex property of a Surrey gentleman.

Enkolpion with hinged and ribbed loop; low-relief nimbate figure in orans pose to obverse; robed figure to reverse. 16.8 grams, 56 mm



Ex DRG Coins and Antiquities, Bishops Stortford, Essex, UK. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s. Accompanied by a handwritten dealer's ticket.