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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.
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Byzantine Green Glazed Sgraffito Bowl with Lion
12th-15th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,111
A roughly hemispherical ceramic bowl with splayed foot, decorated with a green glaze to the interior and exterior faces, a stylised leaping lion incised to the interior with decorative banding to the rim above, restored. 340 grams, 17.2 cm wide
Ex private German collection, 1980s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11636-198828. -
Byzantine Roundel with Saint
Circa 12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
A roundel bearing an angel in high-relief to one face, looking left, the hands in offering gesture covered by his garment, Greek letters 'APX' (for Archangel) on the left side of his face. 29.2 grams, 44 mm
German art market, 1990s. Mr A.H., a North American collector living in the UK. -
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.
