Byzantine Bronze Trade Weight Collection

With round-section hoop and integral discoid plaque, tondo with intaglio of a robed nimbate figure with one arm raised facing a similar figure, all between fronds. 3.13 grams, 24.45 mm overall, 20.03 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)



Ex M.N. London collection, 2000s.

Piriform body with domed filler-hole, decorated with two circumferential bands of circlets; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 351 grams, 96 mm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family 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. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.

In black glass with intricate decorative design in contrasting colour comprising eye motifs, palmettes and pellet designs. 33.3 grams, 84 mm wide



Collected from 1969-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.