Loading, please wait...

Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Details

LOT 1027

Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade

9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.

5 1/2 in. (725 grams, 14.1 cm).

A piriform missile with domed filler-hole, bands of hatched lines to the upper 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.

CONDITION
VETTING:

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 1027

Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade

Sold for (Inc. bp): £156

Print page

RELATED LOTS
  • Byzantine Glazed Terracotta Oil Lamp
    Byzantine Glazed Terracotta Oil Lamp
    8th-10th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £91

    Squat in profile with lug handle and large D-shaped nozzle, raised discus and piecrust shoulder. 70.8 grams, 84 mm



    Acquired from Alan Cherry, Bournemouth, UK, circa 2005. 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.

    Lot Details

  • Byzantine Bronze Ring with Marbled Red Glass Cabochon
    Byzantine Bronze Ring with Marbled Red Glass Cabochon
    14th-15th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £65

    Flat-section hoop with ribbed underside, ellipsoid bezel with inset glass cloison. 4.90 grams, 24.39 mm overall, 18.85 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)



    Acquired from Den of Antiquity, circa 2016. 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.

    Lot Details

  • Byzantine Gilt Bronze Mount
    Byzantine Gilt Bronze Mount
    10th-11th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £65

    Domed pelta-shaped mount with parcel-gilt obverse, reserved scrolled motif; fixing lugs to reverse. 10 grams, 26 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.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list