Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant with Saints

Bulbous body with pointed base and domed mouth, two circumferential bands on the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 378 grams, 10.3 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.

Small lamp with linear decoration on the shoulder, tapering handle to the rear and low basal ring. 73 grams, 84 mm



From the collection of a Cambridge, UK, gentleman, by direct descent from his father, who acquired the items in London in circa 1960.

Comprising a thick round-section hoop and integral disc bezel; incuse cross with nimbate bust above flanked by two equal-arm crosses, enigmatic legend to the rim. 18.62 grams, 30.50 mm overall, 23.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U 1/2, USA 10 1/4, Europe 23.15, Japan 22)



Acquired circa 1980. Property of a Middlesex gentleman.