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LOT 1090
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
4 5/8 in. (760 grams, 11.9 cm).
Ovoid in profile with a rounded base, impressed annulets above the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a specialist collection, London, UK, 1990-2000s.
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 1090
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
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Discoid bezel with border, incuse spread eagle motif with head turned. 2.51 grams, 22.81 mm overall, 19.97 x 20.21 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U 1/2, USA 10 1/4, Europe 23.15, Japan 22)
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This category of rings had a hexagonal-rounded chaton raised above the link. Conforming to the iconography of the Orthodox countries under the influence of Byzantium, the possible decoration was related to the military saints. -
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Comprising a D-section hoop and a large discoid bezel with two stylised nimbate figures dressed in short tunics. 6.46 grams, 22.33 mm overall, 19.15 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
The oval hoop, in this category of rings, gradually widens into a full shoulder and massive flattened head. The bezel is ellipsoidal, decorated with stylised images, most probably of military saints, invoking protection and blessing.
