Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1049
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
5 3/8 in. (780 grams, 13.8 cm).
Piriform in profile with domed mouth and narrow point, the body with raised lugs and bosses on a stamped background; 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.
Footnotes
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 1049
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
RELATED LOTS
-
Byzantine Rock Crystal Stamp Seal in Silver Pendant with Military Saint on Horseback
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
With a tapering octagonal body, the military saint on horseback holding a long spear, the horse wearing a detailed harness; set in a conical silver frame with suspension loop and crenellated edge. 7.9 grams, 30 mm
From an old New Zealand private collection. Acquired on the New Zealand art market circa 2014. Property of a New Zealand legal professional. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12327-223721. 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.
The motif of a saint on horseback was common in the Romano-Christian culture of the 6th-7th centuries. The figure of a saint symbolised protection of the local church or monastery and its community, and could also be related to the priest leader of the community, as their personal seal. -
Byzantine Iron Ring with Silver-Gilt Bezel with Monogram of Consular Rank
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Discoid bezel with inset gilt panel, monogram comprising the letters ΥΠΑΤΟΥ (of the Hypatos), meaning 'Man with Consular Rank'. 4.93 grams, 26.33 mm overall, 18.96 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)
From the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The complex letter monograms seen on these rings are sometimes referred to as 'merchant's marks' and would normally be a personal mark giving a name or phrase of significance to the owner. In this case it seems belonging to a Magistrate with consular rank, the Hypatos. -
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant Plate
10th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Low-relief Corpus Christi on the obverse, hinge loops above and below. 7.36 grams, 42 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.
