Byzantine Gilt Bronze Decorated Buckle

Piriform body with domed filler-hole, the upper body with tight rows of impressed teardrop-shaped motifs, two deep circumferential grooves beneath; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 729 grams, 16 cm



From a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 1990s onwards. 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.

With inscription 'ΘΕΟΤΟΚΕ ΒΟΘ' for 'ΘΕΟΤΟΚΕ ΒΟΘEI' (Mother of God, help!). 0.84 grams, 14 mm



From an important collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva.

Modelled as a two-handled amphora with decorative bands to the body. 25.3 grams, 54 mm



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