Byzantine Silver-Gilt Box Mount with Scroll Cross

Discoid in plan with suspension lugs to the raised rim; obverse with nimbate figure of Christ flanked by 'ICXC' legend; reverse nimbate figure in orans posture. 5.33 grams, 33 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Ovoid in profile with linear decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 805 grams, 13 cm



From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 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.

With an expanding D-section hoop and a raised discoid bezel with a stylised nimbate figure holding a spear and a shield. 5.15 grams, 22.16 mm overall, 19.05 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

These banded rings, made of bronze sheet with a flattened ellipsoidal head, could be decorated with geometric or animal ornaments executed by shallow carving. In this circumstance, the bezel is decorated with the stylised image, most probably of a military saint, who was asked for protection and blessing.