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LOT 0801
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
5 in. (642 grams, 12.7 cm).
A ceramic vessel with a piriform body and domed mouth on a stepped neck; 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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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
A ceramic vessel with a piriform body and eccentrically placed domed mouth, indented line above foot; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 620 grams, 12.5 cm
Acquired 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'.
Apart 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. -
Byzantine Mould-Blown Aubergine Glass Jar
5th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £700 - 900 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £389
A mould-blown aubergine glass jar or flask with bulbous body featuring a 'net' design and trumpet-style neck and rim; shallow kick-up to base; iridescent surfaces. 58 grams, 69 mm high
Fine condition.
Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent. -
Byzantine Gold Lunar Pendant
4th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
A sheet-gold crescent moon pendant with applied twisted filigree to the border, cell with inset carnelian cloison, suspension loop. 0.52 grams, 12 mm
Acquired 1970-2010. Collection of a late Japanese gentleman.
