Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0950
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade with Lead-alloy Filler-Hole
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
8 1/2 in. (1.06 kg, 21.5 cm).
Biconical body with longitudinal ribs, separate lead-alloy domed filler-hole with cover, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade.
Provenance
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'.
Literature
Cf. Arendt, W. I., Granaten des 13-14. Jahrhunderts, die an der Wolga gefunden sind, Zeitschrift fur Historische Waffen-und Kostumkunde, 11 (1926-8), p.42; cf. Arendt, W., Die Spharisch-konischen Gefäße aus Gebranntem Ton, ibid; cf. Ayalon, D., Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p.16; the shape finds correspondence with a fire grenade in the Kars Museum, no.14.09.2009.
Footnotes
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.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0950
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade with Lead-alloy Filler-Hole
Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
RELATED LOTS
-
Byzantine Glass Face Appliqué
Circa 6th-10th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £52
Modelled in low relief with band of hair above arched brows and lentoid eyes, transverse bar for the mouth; reputedly the head of Jesus from a Corpus Christi. 7.6 grams, 29 mm
Collected from 1969-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK. -
.jpg)
Byzantine Gold Ring with Holy Rider
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,980
Comprising a round-section hoop with tablet-bezel depicting a military saint on horseback (probably Saint George) advancing right, the nimbate saint holding a large cross in his right hand. 4.00 grams, 21.79 mm overall, 18.33 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)
Ex Axia Art, London, UK. Property of a North American gallery. Accompanied by a positive scientific statement from Striptwist Limited, a London-based company run by historical precious metal specialist Dr Jack Ogden, reference number 170705. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12117-214328.
This type of ring belongs to a typical category of the period in question, made with high-quality materials, and decorated with images of saints to invoke their protection. The presence of Saint George on this ring could refer to an owner of high military rank. -
Byzantine Belt Mount with Lion Combat Scene
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Belt buckle plate with loops, lateral spurs and knop finial; low-relief scene of a man grappling with a beast in a landscape with tree and flowers; mounting lugs to the reverse; old collector's envelop with handwritten text 'sceau / Carthage / combat Homme et Lion / [..] Jardin' (seal / Carthage / fight between man and lion / [..] garden). 18.5 grams, 47 mm
Found in Carthage. From a 19th century collection based on the handwritten package. From the collection of a London antiquarian. Accompanied by an old hand written collector's envelope.
