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LOT 0955
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/4 in. (520 grams, 10.7 cm).
Piriform body with ribs to the shoulder and impressed ovoids to the upper face, recessed filler-hole to the shoulder, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 1990s onwards.
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 Gefäße 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. 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 0955
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Piriform body with band of impressed scrolls and rings to the shoulder, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 399 grams, 11.5 cm
From a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 1990s onwards. 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'.
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. -
Byzantine Gold Fretwork Pendant
6th-10th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Capsule pendant with domed ends and openwork filigree band between, ribbed suspension tube. 0.73 grams, 14 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. -
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Byzantine Silver-Gilt Ring with Saint
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
With round-section hoop and integral discoid plaque, tondo with intaglio of a robed nimbate figure with one arm raised facing a similar figure, all between fronds. 3.13 grams, 24.45 mm overall, 20.03 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)
Ex M.N. London collection, 2000s.
