Byzantine Inscribed Bone Plaque

Bulbous, undecorated body with flat base; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 660 grams, 10.4 cm



From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s. 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. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.

With discoid body and cylindrical neck, two lateral small suspension handles; obverse with low-relief facing image of Saint Demetrios with cloak and spear, reverse with Saint Theodora in monastic garments; hatched bands to borders, flange to lower edge; a myrrh flask (koutrouvion). 81.1 grams, 73 mm



From a retired Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman's collection, a long time member of the Pewter Society.

For the Byzantines, koutrouvia were vessels made of clay or lead in which pilgrims carried the aromatic oil (myrrh) which they acquired from the cult centres of saints.

D-section hoop with a raised boss at the base, large oval bezel with hatched decoration. 10.88 grams, 23.12 mm overall, 19.20 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



Acquired Town Hall Antiques, Market Place, Woburn, Bedfordshire, UK, on 5th June 1998. Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by the original Town Hall Antiques invoice.