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LOT 1413
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/2 in. (380 grams, 11.5 cm).
Piriform in profile with domed mouth, circumferential band of impressed arcading to the shoulder. [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 1413
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
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Luristan Bronze Spearhead with Circumferential Rings
9th-6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
With broad leaf-shaped blade and tapering tubular socket, four graduated horizontal rings securing the split socket. 199 grams total, 26.2 cm including stand
Ex property of a North London, UK, gentleman, 1990s.
The spear belongs to the type VIII classified by Khorasani (spearheads with well-projecting midribs and long folded sockets) and more specifically to subtype C (with leaf-shaped blade and short hollow socket). Usually the willow-leaf blade has an almost straight shoulder base and a wide, flat midrib tapering towards the point. -
Medieval Iron Dagger Relic
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £403
Comprising a slender lozenge-section blade, drooping quillons, long tang and large spherical pommel. 221 grams, 36.5 cm
Acquired on the UK art market circa 2005. From an old North Country, UK, collection. -
Medieval Decorated Iron Axe-Hammer
Circa 12th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
With a broad curved blade, narrow neck and hammer extension to the rear; round socket; punched ornament to both cheeks of the blade. 305 grams, 11.9 cm
Ex North American collection, 1970s-1990s.
