Loading, please wait...
Details
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]
Provenance
From 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.
Literature
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.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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 0984
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
RELATED LOTS
-
Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant Group
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Comprising two cross pommée pendants, one with ring-and-dot motifs and the other with pointillé decoration. 8.54 grams total, 34-39 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. -
Byzantine Gold Marriage Ring with Facing Couple
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £7,150
With integral discoid bezel displaying a male and female facing intaglio bust, Greek text below 'OMONOIA', (concord. agreement, harmony). 10.51 grams, 23.35 mm overall, 19.57 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)
From the late Alison Barker collection, 1970-1990. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12531-231455. 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 Bronze Cross Pendant
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Expanding-arm type with lobe to each angle and incised ring-and-dot ornament. 6.34 grams, 39 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.
