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LOT 0780
Byzantine Ceramic 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/2 in. (664 grams, 11.6 cm).
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. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 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'.
Cf. Arendt, W. I., Granaten des 13-14. Jahrhunderts, die an der Wolga gefunden sind, Zeitschrift fur Historische Waffen-und Kostumkunde, 11 (1926-8), p.42; cf. Arendt, W., Die Spharisch-konischen Gefasse aus Gebranntem Ton, ibid; cf. Ayalon, D., Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p.16.
FootnotesApart 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0780
Byzantine Ceramic 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
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Byzantine Inlaid Gold Earrings
4th-9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
Each composed of a large bulb, hinged hoop above adorned with three granulated cells set with glass (one insert absent); four circular cells to the equator set with stones of alternating blue and red colour, granulated lozenges between, pyramid bulbs below adorned with granule clusters, collar of suspension loops above; articulate hinges. 8.87 grams total, 42 mm each
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Byzantine Stone Cross Mould
10th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Rectangular in plan with central recessed Christian cross, small recessed cross within a square to centre, pouring channel above; circular recess to each corner; soapstone. 163 grams, 67 mm
Acquired on the London art market, 1960s-1980s. Ex Hertfordshire, UK collector. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. -
Byzantine Gold Filigree Ring with Monogram Amethyst Gemstone
5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
Composed of a delicate opus interrasile hoop, cup bezel with ribbed underside, granules to the rim, inset amethyst with monogram. 5.18 grams, 28.06 mm overall, 18.23 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)
Acquired 1970s-1980s. From the property of a deceased lady collector. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.202957.
