Large Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant Plate

Piriform in profile with domed mouth, impressed line and dot decoration on the upper body, raised bosses and impressed lattice to the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 567 grams, 14 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.

Enkolpion with spurs to the angles of the four arms, central low-relief ring to each face; hinged suspension loop with ribbing. 11.69 grams, 51 mm



Ex Den of Antiquity, Cambridge, UK. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s. Accompanied by a typed dealer's ticket.

Comprising a slender round-section hoop with an applied discoid bezel, two facing busts flanking a cross and an inscription below. 3.76 grams, 20.90 mm overall, 18.29 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



From a UK collection since before 1990.