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LOT 1343
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/2 in. (407 grams, 89 mm).
Bulbous body with domed filler hole, two circumferential bands below the neck; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s.
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'.
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.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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LOT 1343
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
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Byzantine Bronze Plaque with Warrior Saint
Circa 6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
Rectangular with rounded corners and pierced lug to each short side; low-relief scene with a horseman brandishing a spear against an infantryman with spear and shield; foliage and baseline. 8.82 grams, 58 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Byzantine Silver Marriage Ring
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Comprising a slender round-section hoop with a rectangular bezel featuring an opposing couple, reversed inscription 'VIVTΛS' above. 1.97 grams, 21.66 mm overall, 18.81 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)
From an English private collection, 1980s. Property of a London, UK, antiquarian. -
Early Byzantine Miniature Votive Axehead with Dolphin and Punched Inscription
4th-5th century A.D.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £600
Miniature axehead with model dolphin at the socket; pointillé legend to the blade '+ΛΙΟΝΑ'. 35 grams, 60 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK.
