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LOT 1007
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
5 3/4 in. (505 grams, 14.5 cm).
A hollow piriform missile with domed filler-hole, body divided into five sections with deep grooves, impressed decoration, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and 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 1007
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
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Byzantine Silver Ring with Monogram
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Ellipsoid bezel with wreath border, monogram formed from 'ΩΗΡΑΤC'. 7.37 grams, 22.05 mm overall, 17.33 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)
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 Patrix Group
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Comprising: a flat patrix of a hound with billets and zigzag detailing to the body curved foreleg, tail and hindleg; similar patrix of a feline with beaded collar and punched mane detailing, legs extended; mounted on a custom-made presentation stand. 410 grams total, 13.7 cm including stand
Ex London gallery, 1990s. with old labels to the reverse. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Patrices were used to create thin sheet-silver or gold appliqués which were used to decorate wooden items, ritual items, clothing, horse-harness and other items. -
Byzantine Bronze Epigraphic Seals
6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £44
Comprising: one with radiating legend 'ΛΩΕ' in pointillé technique; one with incised cross and legend 'ΨΟΦΡ' on the finials. 4.98 grams total, 13-14 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
