Byzantine Gold Earring

With a large sub circular filling hole and a narrow channel running towards the nozzle; stylised animal motifs and linear decoration to the body; the integral handle formed as the head of a goddess with rounded face and curly hair; low basal ring from which raised tendrils radiate. 79 grams, 11.6 cm



Acquired before 1990s/early 2000s. From the family collection of Jack Lyttle (1944-2023), Kilmacolm, Scotland; thence by descent to his granddaughter. Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman.

Piriform body with domed filler-hole, decorated with floral pattern on the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 145 grams, 77 mm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family 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. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.

Comprising two beehive-shaped, one oblate, two sub-conical, and three domed whorls; all but one with carved ring-and-dot and line motifs. 30 grams total, 17-23 mm



UK private collection. Acquired from Redhouse Antiques Centre, York, 2009. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman.