Loading, please wait...
LOT 1020
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/8 in. (449 grams, 10.5 cm).
Piriform body with domed filler-hole, the upper body decorated with vertical herringbone patterns separated by linear motifs; 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.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 1020
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
-
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Dove
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
With a slender hoop and discoid bezel, intaglio motif of a standing dove facing right. 1.90 grams, 20.12 mm overall, 15.42 x 17.65 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I, USA 4 1/4, Europe 7.44, Japan 7)
Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Glazed Sgraffito Vessel
13th century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Carinated in profile with narrow flared base, green-glazed upper body; to the inner face a central roundel with zigzag fill and a zigzag band above the gallery, to the outer face horizontal zigzag band to the shoulder; old Christie's label with '144/2 5540'. 372 grams, 13 cm
Ex Charles Gillot (1853-1903). with Christie's Paris, 2008. European private collection. with previous Christie's item sticker to inside. -
Byzantine Rock Crystal Pendant with Cross
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,120
Piriform amuletic pendant with manus dei 'hand of God' motif to the side and wreath to the underside enclosing a cross flanked by 'AΩ'. 5 grams, 20 mm
From a London, UK, collection, 1980s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12241-22289.
