Byzantine Gold Bell Pendant

Piriform in profile with narrow point and domed mouth; the upper body decorated with impressed pellets; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 441 grams, 10.7 cm



From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 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'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

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.

Each with articulating tongue: one cruciform showing the five wounds of Christ in ring-and-dot form, two pierced lugs to reverse, with old collector's ticket attached; piriform buckle with waisted finial, two attachment lugs to reverse. 23.5 grams total, 39-41 mm



Ex Richard Hattatt collection. Private collection, London, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

With low-relief floral decoration on the obverse; integral suspension loop. 5 grams, 35 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.