Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant

Enkolpion with hinged loop, nimbate figure in orans pose to reverse, Corpus Christi to obverse. 22.9 grams, 60 mm



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

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.

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.