Byzantine Gold Coin Bead Necklace

Of piriform shape, decorated with stamped sunburst and pellet-in-triangle motifs; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 522 grams, 12.1 cm



Acquired 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'.

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. 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.

Composed of a slender hoop expanding to facetted shoulders, octagonal bezel engraved with a bird standing left at centre, Greek or pseudo Greek text in the surrounding field. 10.13 grams, 24.76 mm overall, 21.83 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X, USA 11 1/2, Europe 26.29, Japan 25)



UK private collection formed before 2000. Ex North London, UK, gallery.

Composed of irregular coral and glass beads, featuring a gold Solidus coin pendant of Emperor Heraclius; modern screw clasp. 29.17 grams, 38 cm long



From an important North London collection formed before 1980.