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LOT 1074
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
5 in. (670 grams, 12.5 cm).
Piriform in profile with raised lugs and stamped rosettes on 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 1074
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
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Byzantine Bronze Ring with Warrior Saint
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Wide hoop expanding at the shoulders, octagonal bezel with a stylised figure holding a sword and a shield. 7.11 grams, 23.16 mm overall, 19.40 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
In these rings, the octagonal circular bezel bears a stylised warrior. The bezel of these rings was decorated with stylised images, very often military saints, invoking protection and blessing. -
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant Plate
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
One panel from an enkolpion with hinge knuckle above; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 123 grams total, 10.5 cm including stand
Previously with an ADA member's London gallery. Ex Important North London gentleman's private collection, 1980-1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a Coincraft certificate of authenticity. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Warrior Saints
11th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
D-section hoop and a raised circular bezel with two nimbate warrior figures. 5.54 grams, 22.88 mm overall, 19.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
These banded rings, made of bronze sheet with a flattened ellipsoidal head, could be decorated with geometric or animal ornaments executed by shallow carving, or human figures. In this circumstance, the bezel is decorated with stylised images, most probably military saints, who were asked for protection and blessing.
