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LOT 1479
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/4 in. (427 grams, 11 cm).
Piriform body with domed filler-hole, the upper body divided into segments radiating from the filler-hole, each with impressed chevron and annulet decoration; 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 1479
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
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Saxon to Medieval Iron Spearhead Collection
7th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Comprising socketted spearheads or javelin heads with small lanceolate and lozenge-shaped heads, lentoid in section; one with a split socket and fastening rivet, another with the fastening hole for the shaft still in situ. 286 grams total, 14.5-19.5 cm
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
The distinction between the early medieval lance and spear is difficult, However the lance (or the javelin), normally employed by mounted warriors, had a small slender and stouter blade, and a short wider socket. Both the spear and javelins could be used as throwing weapons by the 14th-15th century light cavalry, like the Spanish Jinetes. -
Large Medieval Eurasian Iron Knight's Military Horse Bit
12th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,105
The snaffle bit with two rectangular openwork cheekpieces decorated with an openwork plaque, the surface ornamented with scales and lozenge elements. 624 grams, 37.5 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
The snaffle bits consisted of two parts: a bit, which was placed in the horse's mouth, and cheekpieces, which were connected to the reins and head strap. -
Luristan Arrowhead Group
13th-6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Including tanged leaf-shaped and triangular types. 387 grams total, 7-17.6 cm
Ex Ancient art shop, Windsor Gallery, UK, 1990s.
