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LOT 1175
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/8 in. (276 grams, 87 mm).
Bulbous body with pointed base and domed filler-hole, a circumferential band above the shoulder; 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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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1175
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
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Byzantine Terracotta Slipper Oil Lamp with Expanding Cross
Holy Land, circa 5th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Stub handle to the rear, the body decorated with pellets and diagonal strokes, an expanding cross on the nozzle, flanked by two rosettes. 73 grams, 85 mm
Ex Ancient Art Shop, Windsor, UK, 1990s. Ex private West County, UK, collection. -
Large Byzantine Bronze Ring with Bird
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Comprising a slender large hoop and a discoid bezel with a stylised standing bird. 2.34 grams, 23.12 mm overall, 18.28 x 20.50 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)
From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Gold Solidus in Gold Ring
6th century A.D.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,300
The coin showing a facing bust of a pearl-diademed emperor, cuirassed and holding a cross; set in a thick frame with a double rectangular-section hoop below; the solidus a cast or barbarised version. 21.14 grams, 24.51 mm overall, 17.47 x 16.14 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)
Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13338-257893.
The coin represents a frontal bust of Justinian I in a helmet (kamelaukion) with a plume, a diadem with trefoil ornament on the front, and a cuirass decorated with four pellets. Globus cruciger in right hand, shield with horseman device on left shoulder. Inscription: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVC (Dominus Noster Justinianus Semper Augustus). Probably Mint of Rome 537-542.
