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LOT 1179
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/8 in. (579 grams, 10.4 cm).
Of squat piriform shape with shallow vertical dashes decorating the upper body, stamped triangles above and below. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFamily collection, acquired 1980-2015.
Ex property of a North London gentleman.
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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WWII 'RAF' Bomber (Mosquito) Helmet, Map and Whistle Group
1941 A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Comprising: a type C leather open face helmet wired for type B communication, oxygen mask with hose and alloy-framed flying goggles with padded leather and rubber band, the frames stamped 'Stadium Made in England Patent Reg Design'; the helmet with webbing chin strap, buckles and stud fasteners, chamois leather lining bearing ink stamp and handwritten 'Adams Progressive' 'No.75-78', plug holder with paper label, tubular oxygen mask inlet marked 'MLD 18' 'MC253D', microphone plug and hose with brass connector stamped 'D/156'; together with an RAF flight map and an RAF 'ditching' whistle of classic snail type with Air Ministry's crown markings and reference numbers '23/230' and '293/14/L1795'; the helmet mounted on a wooden 'mannequin' head. 6.1 kg, 31 cm
Acquired from J C Militaria and Historic Flying Clothing Company. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by copies of listings for each item.
This type of helmet and system was introduced in 1941 A.D. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Of squat piriform shape with shallow vertical dashes decorating the upper body, stamped triangles above and below. 579 grams, 10.4 cm
Family collection, acquired 1980-2015. Ex property of a North London gentleman. 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. -
Large Western Asiatic Bronze Socketted Axehead
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Featuring wedge-shaped cheeks, oval socket and narrow butt. 922 grams, 21 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
