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LOT 1163
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
4 3/4 in. (500 grams, 12 cm).
Piriform body with domed filler-hole, raised vertical flanges to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 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'.
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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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1163
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
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Assyrian Belt Fragment Group
9th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Comprising two bronze belt sections, each with a ferrous backing; applied sheet-bronze rectangular plates held in place with domed rivets and washers, some decorated with a border of pelleted triangular punchmarks topped with a pellet or ring-and-dot motif; one fragment with finial with remains of a riveted hook, the other with corresponding hole. 609 grams total, 23-30 cm
Ex Axel Guttmann collection. -
Indian Tulwar Iron Sword Hilt Pair
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Both with lozenge-section quillon block, shaped langet and scalloped grip, quillon with discoid terminals; one with knuckle guard with conical terminal. 528 grams total, 18-18.5 cm
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance. -
Byzantine Period Bronze Decorated Archer's Ring
12th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Comprising a hoop with scrolled ornament on the carinated edge and triangular plaque with foliage motifs. 9.14 grams, 34.97 mm overall, 21.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X 1/2, USA 11 3/4, Europe 26.92, Japan 25)
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
