Eastern European Medieval Socketted Spear

Bulbous body with rounded base and domed filler hole, two circumferential bands above the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 772 grams, 12.2 cm



Ex important collection of weaponry, London, UK, 1980-1990s. 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.

Wrist and the upper hand section from an armoured gauntlet, with flared cuff and ropework detailing to the rim, vertical fluting to the cannon and two attached articulated plates; cannon hinged at one edge and with sliding catch to the other; marked '1.32'. 180 grams, 12 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. From a gentleman's collection in East Sussex, UK.

This armour part was destined to protect the hand and the wrist. The 'mitten gauntlet' consisted of a longer, narrow conical cuff tapering to the wrist and cut at the top to form a point. By the beginning of the 15th century, the 'mitten gauntlet' had become popular and was to remain so for the rest of the century and into the first half of the 16th century, especially in German-dominated areas of Europe.

Double-edged Petersen Type S sword with a gently tapering long blade, the rounded point well preserved; the well-defined cutting edges show strong traces of employment with battle-nicks along the entire length; straight blade with a slender tang; the shallow tapering fullers visible showing shallow traces of pattern-welding; the boat-shaped guard with rounded ends and applied Ringerike Style ornament; short grip, the upper guard curved upwards and separated from the three-lobe pommel by inlaid silver wire; possibly later inlaid silver bands marking the separation between the lobes 985 grams, 91.3 cm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13443-262858.