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LOT 0990
Byzantine Lead Pilgrim's Ampulla
6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/8 in. (25.3 grams, 54 mm).
Modelled as a two-handled amphora with decorative bands to the body. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Piriform body with domed filler-hole, the body with wavy lines; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 441 grams, 11.5 cm
From a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 1990s onwards. 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. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Piriform body with domed filler-hole, band of tightly arranged teardrop motifs above a zig-zag line to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 432 grams, 10.8 cm
From a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 1990s onwards. 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. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Dove
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
With a slender hoop and discoid bezel, intaglio motif of a standing dove facing right. 1.90 grams, 20.12 mm overall, 15.42 x 17.65 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I, USA 4 1/4, Europe 7.44, Japan 7)
Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
