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LOT 0984
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
5 1/4 in. (567 grams, 13.4 cm).
Comprising a hollow-form missile with domed filler-hole, incised vertical lines to the 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. Apart 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:
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LOT 0984
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
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Byzantine Gilt Bronze Altar Cross with Two Medallions
11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Hollow-formed cross fragment with low-relief ornament; obverse with facing veiled female bust within a ropework tondo, cruciform design to the lower arm and second tondo with facing bearded bust, foliage to the lateral arms; reverse with geometric saltire bands; knop finials to the arms (two present) and slots for attachment of additional features. 153 grams, 13.8 cm
with Rupert Wace Ltd. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Byzantine Solid Silver 'Jesus Christ Victorious' Ring
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
S-section hoop with ovate plaque to each shoulder, lozengiform bezel with legend 'NI / IC + XC / KA' (Jesus Christ Victorious). 13.43 grams, 28.22 mm overall, 18.48 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Equal-arm cross pendant with central incised saltire and transverse ribs to vertical arms. 9 grams, 45 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
