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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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Luristan Arrowhead Group
13th-9th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Comprising four tanged arrowheads, having large elongated triangular blades and raised midrib, sharp central groove, rectangular section stem with handle for the shaft, barbed shoulders and convex or squared sides. 161 grams total, 13-17 cm
From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1969-1999; thence by descent.
These arrowheads seem to belong to the type V, subcategory types A and C according to the classification of Khorasani and Negahban. In the four categories of triangular bronze arrowheads from Luristan, Marlik and Northern Iran individuated by Negahban, subtypes A and C of type V are larger arrow heads with barbed shoulders and triangular heads. These types of arrowheads were commonly used in Anatolia and Mesopotamia from the 2nd millennium B.C., but apparently their employment began earlier in this area, where types like these occur alongside the non-barbed, predominantly ribbed and tanged types. -
Mughal Jade Archer's Ring with Diamond, Rubies and Emeralds
18th-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Carved in mottled pale grey jade with radiating lotus leaves around the central hole, applied gold wire hoop and tendril detailing with two emeralds and six cabochon rubies inset, the central flower with inset teardrop facetted diamond; with a thin crack to the back of the hoop. 15.5 grams, 44.55 mm overall, 21.86 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z, USA 12 1/2, Europe 28.77, Japan 27).
Formerly in the family collection of a Hampstead gentleman, from the 1980s. Acquired in TimeLine Auctions sale 119, lot 2518. Property of a Kent collector. -
Australian Aboriginal Wood Boomerang
19th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £286
Formed with a gently curving profile and showing transverse grooves from the carving technique; bearing handwritten collector's inventory number 'RO518.01.00'. 182 grams, 53 cm
Private U.K. family collection formed in the early 1970s. The property of Mr and Mrs P.R. of East Sussex. Thence by descent to family members.
