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LOT 1150
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
CIRCA 11TH-14TH CENTURY A.D.
6 in. (573 grams, 15 cm).
With a piriform body and domed mouth, stepped rings to the foot, engraved decoration on the shoulders with crosses and grapes; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s.
From the H.N. collection, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, UK.
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; for the way of employment see D'Amato, R., Byzantine Naval Forces 1261-1461, The Roman Empire's Last Marines, Oxford, 2016, plate B, p.41.
FootnotesApart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also in 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 1150
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
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Greek Bronze Chalcidian Helmet
5th-4th century B.C.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,667
Of Kunze Group VII, formed from two curved segments, each with a flared rim, nasal, raised panels to the upper section of the bowl, repoussé ridge forming curved brows, a recess for the ear to each side; star-shaped attachment to the top with slot for plumes; restored and with replica cheek pieces. 2.7 kg total, 42.5 cm high including stand
Restored, but in general good condition, rare details
Acquired in the 1970s. Ex private Austrian collection. The Kusmirek Collection, UK Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. Accompanied by a report of metallurgical analytical results, written by metallurgist Dr Brian Gilmour of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and History of Art, University of Oxford. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11763-203979.
Among the Chalcidian helmet types, the fifth and last typology, corresponding to the Kunze group VII (Pflug, 1988, p.138), was characterised by the presence of detached cheek-guards. By the end of the 5th century BC, the fixed cheek-pieces had been entirely abandoned on the Chalcidian helmets for the more versatile hinged cheek pieces. Several district regional workshops produced such helmets by the 5th century B.C.: mainland Greece, the Black Sea Coast, Thrace, Southern Italy and Iberia. -
Australian Aboriginal Throwing Club
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
The round-section shaft with one tapered end and a pointed, bulbous head. 435 grams, 69 cm
Acquired UK market. Property of a Kent collector.
Used for hunting and in warfare. Possibly engraved using a possum tooth. -
British Leather Fencing Helmet
Circa 1890-1920s A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
By Lillywhite Frowd Co of London, fitted with neck fringe, stamped buckled securing strap and wire mesh face and ear panels, padded lining internally marked 'broad arrow-over-67' so likely a military issue. 2.0 kg, 39 cm
Acquired from Manfred Schotten Antiques, 2016. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by a copy of Manfred Schotten invoice and listing.
Although masks/helmets of this general form are typically associated with sword fencing, this example is of very heavy construction so possibly for use in protecting while training with a heavier weapon than a foil or epee.
