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LOT 1121
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
5 1/2 in. (747 grams, 14 cm).
Piriform body with a rounded base and domed mouth, circumferential bands on the body; 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'.
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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LOT 1121
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Estimate £80 - 100€93 - 116 (for guidance only)$108 - 135 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
-
Byzantine Silver Ring with Monogram
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Comprising a round-section hoop with an applied discoid bezel bearing a monogram. 2.39 grams, 21.45 mm overall, 17.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Large Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant with Christ and Saints
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Obverse: central facing nimbate figure of Mary with 'MHP ΘV' legend, facing nimbate bust in each of the roundels; reverse with cruciform void and pellets; hinged loop with ropework detailing. 43.1 grams, 88 mm
From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s. -
Large Byzantine Gold Cross Pendant
Circa 8th-10th century A.D. and laterEstimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
Tubular in construction with ribbed arms and applied filigree trails to both faces; inset possibly later cabochon garnet to the end of three arms and another in the central cell, and an integral suspension loop; some restoration. 15.16 grams, 81 mm
Ex London, UK, collection. Ex David Miller, Hemel Hempstead, London, UK. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s. Accompanied by a typed dealer's ticket.
