Loading, please wait...
LOT 1021
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
5 3/8 in. (513 grams, 13.7 cm).
Comprising a piriform body with raised lugs to the upper body, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom an important specialist collection, London, UK, 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'.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
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.
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 1021
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
-
Byzantine Gold Ring with Monogram
6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £600
Round-section hoop supporting a disc bezel with engraved monogram incorporating a cross potent and the letters N, O, P, E, Z and others; old collector's ticket. 3.29 grams, 17.57 mm overall, 15.91 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I 1/2, USA 4 1/2, Europe 8.07, Japan 7)
From an early 20th century collection based on the collector's ticket. Property of a Californian, USA, collector. Accompanied by an old collector's ticket. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Byzantine Gold Dagger Pommel Cap with Garnets
Circa 8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
Sheet gold dome with braided filigree band to the rim, three vertical bands and three cells each set with a garnet cabochon, collar to the apex. 2.13 grams, 22 mm
From a continental collection prior to 2000. Acquired on the UK art market in 2010. Ex property of a UK gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Eastern Roman daggers of 7th-8th centuries typically displayed gold ornaments embellished with garnets and filigree, visible on the specimens gifted by the Empire to foreign rulers, such as the famous Bulgarian leader Kuvrat. -
Byzantine Silver-Gilt Ornamented Sword Belt Slide
Circa 12th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Rectangular in plan with openwork strap to the reverse, three silver-gilt rosettes on a field of granulated strapwork. 33.7 grams, 54 mm
Acquired Brigantia Antiques, York, UK, circa 2006. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
