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LOT 0804
Byzantine Inscribed Ceramic 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
4 3/8 in. (307 grams, 11.2 cm).
Of piriform shape with raised inscription around the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 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'.
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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LOT 0804
Byzantine Inscribed Ceramic 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
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Byzantine Inlaid Gold Earrings
4th-9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
Each composed of a large bulb, hinged hoop above adorned with three granulated cells set with glass (one insert absent); four circular cells to the equator set with stones of alternating blue and red colour, granulated lozenges between, pyramid bulbs below adorned with granule clusters, collar of suspension loops above; articulate hinges. 8.87 grams total, 42 mm each
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Byzantine Bone Pendant with Chi Rho
14th-15th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £176
Tear-shaped, carved with Chi Rho monogram within a central dimpled roundel, Greek letters 'Λ - ώ' in left and right field; pierced for suspension. 24.7 grams, 70 mm
From the collection of an EU gentleman formed in the 1990s. Acquired on the UK market. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Bird and Greek Inscription
Circa 12th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Composed of a slender hoop expanding to facetted shoulders, octagonal bezel engraved with a bird standing left at centre, Greek or pseudo Greek text in the surrounding field. 10.13 grams, 24.76 mm overall, 21.83 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X, USA 11 1/2, Europe 26.29, Japan 25)
UK private collection formed before 2000. Ex North London, UK, gallery.
