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LOT 1486
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
5 1/4 in. (461 grams, 13.5 cm).
A piriform missile with domed filler-hole and vertical segmented bands with impressed geometric designs; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade.
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'.
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 1486
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
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Spanish Military Briquet Sabre
Dated 1902 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Comprising: slightly swept single-edge blade with scooped point and ricasso; brass hilt with finger-guard, lobed quillon, ribbed grip; blade stamped 'Arta. Faba. de Toldo 1902'. 1.04 kg, 83.5 cm
From a private Tyneside collection, formed since the early 2000s. -
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Elamite Decorated Bronze Axehead
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
With a crescentic blade, ornamental curved edging to the upper shaft hole, a collar to the lower shaft hole, raised band around the edge of the blade. 330 grams, 11.6 cm
French collection, 1980s. Acquired on the London art market. Private collection, London, UK. -
Byzantine Decorated Bronze Archer's Thumb Ring
10th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
With a carinated profile to the hoop, incised horizontal ropework bands, triangular flange extension with geometric detailing. 7.90 grams, 34.83 mm overall, 22.91 x 22.21 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z +1, USA 12 3/4, Europe 29.99, Japan 28)
From a private Tyneside collection, formed since the early 2000s.
