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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.
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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 Marriage Ring Depicting Two Facing Portraits
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
With a facetted hoop, a rectangular bezel, and opposed profile busts (male and female). 3.60 grams, 24.13 mm overall, 21.06 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. -
Byzantine Bronze Buckle Plate with Lion of Saint Mark
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Rectangular plaque with two loops and a low-relief image of a facing lion with emphasised head. 6.2 grams, 30.5 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Inscription
12th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Slender hoop with an oval hoop bearing a three-line Greek inscription. 3.58 grams, 21.36 mm overall, 17.77 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
