Loading, please wait...
LOT 0791
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/4 in. (480 grams, 96 mm).
A squat ceramic vessel with a piriform body and domed mouth, band of impressed discs to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
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 Gefasse 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. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Byzantine Inlaid Gold Earrings
4th-9th century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
A pair of non-identical gold hoop earrings, each composed of a large bulb, hinged hoop above adorned with three granulated cells set with glass (one insert absent); four circular cells to the equator set with stones of alternating blue and red colour, granulated lozenges between, pyramid bulbs below adorned with granule clusters, collar of suspension loops above; articulate hinges. 8.87 grams total, 42 mm each
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Byzantine Gold Turret Ring
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
A gold finger ring with tall columnar ribbed bezel, inset garnet cabochon from a re-used bead; hoop split. 2.05 grams, 34.61 mm overall, 22.30 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V 1/2, USA 10 3/4, Europe 24.4, Japan 23)
Hoop broken.
Acquired 1970-2010. Collection of a late Japanese gentleman. -
Byzantine Trade Weight Collection
Circa 10th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
A mixed group of bronze trade weights of various shapes and sizes, including examples bearing decorated letters. 72 grams total, 12-21 mm
German art market, 1990s. Mr A.H., a North American collector living in the UK.
