Loading, please wait...
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.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0804
Byzantine Inscribed Ceramic 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
-
Byzantine Ceramic 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Of piriform shape with a band of stamped roundels to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick and used as a hand grenade. 664 grams, 11.6 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. -
Byzantine Bronze Pectoral Cross Pendant
6th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
A flat-section expanding-arm cross pendant with integral loop; incised cross flory to the centre with a band of herringbone ornament to the end of each arm. 6.08 grams, 39 mm
From a UK collection, formed 1970s. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. -
Byzantine Stone Cross Mould
10th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Rectangular in plan with central recessed Christian cross, small recessed cross within a square to centre, pouring channel above; circular recess to each corner; soapstone. 163 grams, 67 mm
Acquired on the London art market, 1960s-1980s. Ex Hertfordshire, UK collector. The Kusmirek Collection, UK.
