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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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Byzantine Bread Stamp Group
6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £75
A group of two bread stamps: one sub-rectangular in form with Greek capital letters (Mi, Iota, Iota, Tau and Tau, Iota, Eta) in raised relief, suspension lug to reverse; a leaf-shaped stamp with lugs to the perimeter and three raised letters to the centre, suspension lug to reverse. 40.8 grams total, 38 mm each
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
The larger bronze stamps are generally known in the relevant literature as bread stamps. These were used on the bread consecrated during the Holy Liturgy and then given to the believers as the Body of Christ during the Holy Communion, as well as to the bread which was given as a present at the end of the Liturgy, as 'Blessed bread' or Antidoron. Similar seals are still used today in the Orthodox Church. -
Byzantine Bread Seal with Cross
6th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
A stone or ceramic bread seal with rectangular base and two sub-triangular sidewalls, base with expanding-arm cross in relief to centre, annulet at centre and to each arm, likely representing the Five Wounds of Christ; pierced through apex for suspension. 83 grams, 59 mm
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private collection since 1998. -
Byzantine Chain with Cross Pendant
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
A copper-alloy trichinopoly chain with cruciform pendant, decorated on one face with a geometric design representing the five wounds of Christ. 14.5 grams, 40 cm
Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman.
