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LOT 0964
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
7 in. (865 grams, 18 cm).
Piriform in profile with narrow point and domed mouth, a band of impressed ring-in-circle motifs 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.
FootnotesApart 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0964
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
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Byzantine Floral Gold Applique
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Formed as three-tiered flower with filigree wire framing the petals, applied pellet to the centre. 0.69 grams, 10 mm
Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s. 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
9th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Cross pommée with punched ring-and-dot motifs, possibly representing the 'Five Wounds of Christ'. 3.99 grams, 32 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Large Byzantine Gold Ring with Christ Engraved on a Green Chalcedony Gemstone
Circa 5th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £5,000 - 7,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,500
With round-section hoop and discoid stepped bezel, inset chalcedony cloison with nimbate bust of Christ. 10.07 grams, 26.22 mm overall, 20.52 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.63, Japan 19)
UK collection, acquired 1971. with Christie's, London, 5 July 2023, no.61. Accompanied by a positive scientific statement from Striptwist Limited, a London-based company run by historical precious metal specialist Dr Jack Ogden, reference number 220507. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12691-235717. 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.
