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LOT 1083
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
4 3/4 in. (594 grams, 12 cm).
Pear-shaped ceramic vessel with domed filler-hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx London, UK, collection, 1990s.
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'.
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 Gefasse aus Gebranntem Ton, ibid; cf. Ayalon, D., Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p.16.
FootnotesApart 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.
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LOT 1083
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
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Mk3C Fighter Flying Helmet and Suit
1980s A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
Including MK 9 flying suit coveralls (for height 162-172cm, weight greater than 72.64 kg, size 4) with insignia to 825 Squadron (Fleet Air Arm) on shoulder and sewn cleaning and user instruction labels to the interior, shoulders with Flt Lieutenant Officer rank slides; MK3C flying helmet with clear and smoked visors, pig skin and blue velvet lining with electrical headset and adjustable microphone with radio lead and plug; Air Ministry label to interior reading 'Serial number 26396 Large Mk 3C' and AM 'crow's foot'. 2.9 kg, 29 cm
Acquired from J C Militaria, UK. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by a copy of JCM listing details and brief squadron research.
825 Squadron was originally formed in 1934 and served during WWII; it was reformed on the outbreak of the Falklands War in 1982 and equipped with ten Sea King helicopters; the squadron was disbanded in September 1982. -
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Roman Bronze Military Helmet Section
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
From the right side of the face mask, the upper edge with an embossed band of diagonal lines, Jupiter’s eagle embossed to the centre, looking back and holding a laurel crown in its beak; a hole for the fastening thongs at ear-level. 87 grams, 19.7 cm
Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
The decoration of Roman weaponry contained themes that were directly associated with state propaganda, as well as with the Imperial cult. As the god-protector of the state and the army, Jupiter was the most esteemed. The combination of an eagle (helmet), Minerva and bust of Mars (armour) can also be understood as an image of dii militares. -
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French WWII 'Donkey Ears' Trench Periscope
1940s A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Aluminium bodied binocular trench periscope with green finish, fitted with folding handle and leather neck strap; with original leather case fitted with shoulder strap and belt/webbing loop. 1.69 kg, 29.5 cm
The Kusmirek Collection, UK.
