Byzantine Gold Turret Ring

A ceramic vessel with a piriform body and eccentrically placed domed mouth, indented line above foot; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 620 grams, 12.5 cm



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. 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.

A mixed group of bronze trade weights of various shapes and sizes, including examples bearing decorated letters. 72 grams total, 12-21 mm



German art market, 1990s. Mr A.H., a North American collector living in the UK.

A capsule-shaped openwork gold pendant decorated with vertical columns of filigree figures of eight between beaded tracks, domed cap to each terminal formed as four-petalled flowers with central pellet; two ribbed suspension loops with apex granules. 2.25 grams, 18 mm



Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.