Byzantine Bronze Ring with Bird

Of cylindrical form adorned with gold bulbs to both openings, each adorned with pyramid granules, the body formed with three bands of filigree ropework framing two tiers of plain filigree 'waves'. 0.22 grams, 13 mm



Acquired 1970-2010. From the collection of a late Japanese gentleman.

Composed of carnelian and perhaps glass rounded oval beads, featuring a gold Solidus coin pendant of Emperor Justinian I; modern screw clasp. 14.3 grams, 37 cm long



Acquired in the 1970s. Ex property of a North London collector.

Of piriform shape with a band of stamped roundels to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick and used as a hand grenade. 664 grams, 11.6 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. 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. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.