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LOT 1455
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/4 in. (401 grams, 95 mm).
Bulbous body with rounded base and domed filler hole, an impressed circumferential band above the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx important collection of weaponry, London, UK, 1980-1990s.
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 1455
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Estimate £70 - 90€81 - 104 (for guidance only)$95 - 122 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
-
Byzantine Gold Ring with Monogram
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £600
Oblate bezel with incuse monogram comprising 'IΦωY' and a cross. 3.25 grams, 21.84 mm overall, 16.96 x 17.80 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)
Private collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent.
The ring belongs to the category of Eastern Roman rings with an applied bezel, a type particularly common between the 6th and 8th centuries AD. Although some letters have been effaced, this ring appears to bear the monogram '[TΡ]ΙΦω[ΝO]Y' (of Trifonos). -
Byzantine Gold Ring with Cabochon Garnet
Circa 14th-15th century A.D.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £600
Flared cell with corrugated rim, inset garnet cabochon, the round-section hoop with granulated collar at each junction, possibly added later. 5.28 grams, 29.68 mm overall, 20.82 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)
From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
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Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
