Byzantine Silver Stamp Seal with Bird

Rectangular in plan with raised lip enclosing scene with standing female figure in ankle-length robe, legend 'ΝΥCΙΟΥ' (for νησιού 'belonging to Nisios'). 28.3 grams, 45 mm



From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent.

Piriform body with pointed base and domed mouth, stamped linear decoration on the upper body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 505 grams, 11.9 cm



From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s. 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.

Enkolpion with hinged loop; obverse with low-relief nimbate Corpus Christi with arms extended laterally, inlaid silver detailing; reverse with robed figure in orans pose with silver detailing to nimbus and robe. 123 grams, 11.2 cm



From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s.