Byzantine Bronze Ring with Inscription

With central filling hole and small nozzle, U-section channel between, carinated body decorated with running tendril ornament, lug handle; repaired, nozzle chipped. 111 grams, 10.3 cm



From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent.

Conical matrix with loop and radiating petals, underside with a standing bird facing back. 10.8 grams, 27 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Piriform in profile with a domed filler hole, linear decoration and a band of impressed lozenges with a cross motif on the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 374 grams, 10.5 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.