Byzantine Bronze Weight with Saint Nicholas

Formed as a column of three bulbs with four radiating bulbs near the end, ring with loop. 19 grams, 43 mm including loops



Acquired on the UK art market since the 1990s. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman; thence by descent.

Comprising a substantial D-section hoop with niello-filled frond motif to each shoulder, stepped bezel with disc bearing a running scroll surrounding 'BY' monogram. 16.92 grams, 32.24 mm overall, 19.30 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)



Private collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent.

Bulbous body with rounded base and domed filler hole, the shoulder with an impressed band of rosettes and two circumferential bands above; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 681 grams, 12 cm



Ex important collection of weaponry, London, UK, 1980-1990s. 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.