Greek and Luristan Bronze Arrowhead Collection

Piriform in profile with domed mouth and impressed motifs to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 400 grams, 10.5 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.

Of Wheeler's Type I with point at the median line, broad with thick back and wide, flat tang for a whittle-tang hilt assemblage; incised lines to both faces following the profile of the back and cutting edge. 610 grams, 50 cm



Private collection, UK.

Ellipsoid in section with central slot to accept the tang; scooped 'cocked hat' profile to the broad faces, with horizontal rounded band to the lower edge. 17.6 grams, 47 mm



Found Tuesday 1st April 2025 in Wenham Parva, Babergh, Suffolk, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.SF-92FBDC.