Civil War Iron Cannon Shot

Triangular in plan, terminating in an exaggerated curving point; the outer face pierced towards the top and with a raised midrib; the convex interior possibly containing fragmentary remains of a weapon. 355 grams, 56 cm



From a Japanese collection, 1990s.

Scabbards with a curve at their base are shown on reliefs and seals from Anatolia from the middle of the second millennium to the 9th century B.C.

Biconvex body with impressed billeted bands and domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 460 grams, 13.9 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'.

The shape corresponds with a fire grenade in the Kars Museum, no.14.09.2009. 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 geometric design on a hatched background and discoid pad to rear. 7.31 grams, 26.60 mm overall, 22.48 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X 1/2 , USA 11 3/4, Europe 26.92, Japan 25)



Acquired in the 1990s. Ex Private collection, Suffolk, UK. Property of a Kent lady collector.