Byzantine Silver Stamp Seal with Bird

With broad hoop and stud to the underside, drum-shaped bezel with hatching to the shoulders, incuse hatched cross. 15.11 grams, 26.76 mm overall, 19.02 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)



From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. Accompanied by the original collector's data sheet(s) with reference no.A89.

Each a crescent plaque with beaded borders, sprung hook and catch; openwork foliage motif with two opposing birds. 5.75 grams total, 28-29 mm



Private collection, 1990s-early 2000s.

Bulbous body with pointed base and domed filler-hole, a circumferential band above the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 276 grams, 87 mm



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.