Byzantine Bronze Pendant Chain Necklace

Comprising a quatrefoil modelled in high-relief with equal-armed cross to the centre, on a lozengiform base. 42.4 grams, 37 mm



Acquired in the 1980s. From the collection of a London antiquarian.

With tapering ribbed sidewall and conical foot, domed shoulder, carinated mouth with two lateral strap handles; marine encrustation; with tripod display stand. 8.15 kg total, 56 cm high including stand



From a family collection mostly formed in the 1940s-1950s, thence by descent.

Piriform body with vertical ribs and impressed roundels across the whole surface, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 662 grams, 15.5 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'.

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.