Byzantine Inlaid Gold Earrings

Of piriform shape with raised inscription around the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 307 grams, 11.2 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private 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.

Sub-rectangular plaque with integral pierced lug suspender; incuse figure of a horseman to one face with enigmatic Greek legend, winged figure to the other face with four lines of Greek text. 8.02 grams, 55 mm



English collection, 1990s. Ex North London gallery.

Composed of a delicate opus interrasile hoop, cup bezel with ribbed underside, granules to the rim, inset amethyst with monogram. 5.18 grams, 28.06 mm overall, 18.23 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)



Acquired 1970s-1980s. From the property of a deceased lady collector. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.202957.