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LOT 1388
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
5 in. (650 grams, 12.5 cm).
Piriform-conical body with S-shaped ornaments to the shoulder, interstitial panels of impressed alternate foliage and S-shaped horizontal ornaments, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a military inspired collection formed from the 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', in Zeitschrift fur Historische Waffen-und Kostumkunde, 11 (1926-8), p.42; Arendt, W., 'Die Spharisch-konischen Gefasse aus Gebranntem Ton', ibid; cf. Ayalon, D., Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p.16; the shape is similar with a specimen from British Museum, inventory no. 1882,0720.1 from Bulandshahr, India, in Hildburgh, W.L., 'Aeolopiles as fire blowers’ in Archaeologia, 94, 1951, pp..27-55, pl.XVI.c.
FootnotesThis piece was a type of a ceramic fire grenade, similar to the ones used by the Eastern Romans but of Turco-Mongol type. Apart from the use of manual flame-throwers, special corps of soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations, even in Far East, like in Burma.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1388
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
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Luristan Bronze Arrowhead Collection
Circa 14th-10th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Including triangular, leaf-shaped, barbed and other types. 324 grams total, 37-92 mm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.
The arrowhead of type IV according to Khorasani classification (arrowheads with jet like wings) is very interesting and rare. Similar arrowheads, often found in the Marlik excavations, looked like a stylised flying bird, such as a swallow. They have rounded terminals of the stretched-out wings. The rib on the blade thickens towards the point. -
Viking Age Iron Pattern-Welded Sword with Bronze Jellinge Hilt
11th-13th century A.D.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
Double-edged cutting sword of Curonian Type with tapering fullers and showing battle scars; boat-shaped bronze cross-guard with Jellinge Style decoration, the seven-lobed pommel with similar decoration. 918 grams, 92.5 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12175-221434.
The Curonian swords of this type, sometimes with animal head decoration on the lower guard, were widespread and used in the Eastern Baltic lands from 10th to 13th century. Curonian swords possessed both plastic hilt details (ends of the lower guards in the form of animal heads) of animal style, a clear influence from the Germanic style of Scandinavians, as well as a regular geometric ornament, a decoration motif derived from the Romanesque art. -
Cased Tudor to Stuart 'Published' Sword Belt Accruement Collection
16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Collection of military belt fittings including buckles and frames, strap hooks, scabbard chapes and other items, all mounted and labelled in a felt-lined glazed wooden display case; many of these objects are published in the Detector Finds book series. 3.8 kg total, 52.5 x 37 x 6 cm including case
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
