Byzantine Period Bronze Weight Collection

Of piriform shape, with raised inverted tear-shaped bulbs over the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 931 grams, 16.1 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.

Composed of assorted small round banded agate and carnelian beads with small cylinders between, featuring a gold solidus coin pendant of Emperor Justin II; modern screw clasp. 17.6 grams, 41 cm long



From an important North London collection formed before 1980.

Composed of a slender rectangular-section hoop and cruciform bezel with expanding round-section arms, central dome and granule to each quarter; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 2.72 grams, 21.96 mm overall, 14.23 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G, USA 3 1/4, Europe 4.92, Japan 4)



Private European collection since the 1950s. Private collection, UK, 2010.