Large Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant Plate with Saint

Comprising: a domed cap with lateral scoops and attachment holes to the edges, a central applied tapering tube with flared rim; twelve gently domed disc-scales with two attachment points. 357 grams total, 8.2-13.3 cm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.

The cap is provided with a plume-holder and two lateral slots for the ears; the scales decorate the rest of the bridle or harness.

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.

Plano-convex in section with reserved impression of a vertical pillar, ladder to one side, mother and infant to the other, crescent, star and other objects in the field. 15 grams, 33 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.