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LOT 1423
Large Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
5 1/2 in. (947 grams, 14.1 cm).
A spherical ceramic missile with incised swirls to the shoulder, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a military inspired collection formed from the 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'.
Cf. Arendt, W. I., Granaten des 13-14. Jahrhunderts, die an der Wolga gefunden sind, Zeitschrift fur Historische Waffen-und Kostumkunde, 11 (1926-8), p.42; cf. Arendt, W., Die Spharisch-konischen Gefäße aus Gebranntem Ton, ibid; cf. Ayalon, D., Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p.16.
FootnotesApart 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.
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LOT 1423
Large Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
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Luristan Bronze Bulbous Macehead
Circa 7th-6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
With three round knobs at the top, radiating from the hollow shaft, with a further three heater-shaped projections below. 167 grams, 98 mm
Private collection, UK. -
Luristan Bronze Short Sword
13th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
With lentoid-section blade, tongue-shaped in plan, with integral tapering hilt with flared finial, lateral flanges to accept a panel of bone to each face forming the grip. 195 grams, 33.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The art of Luristan can be described as the art of nomadic herdsmen and horsemen with an emphasis on the crafting of small, easily portable objects, among these a great number of bronze weapons. The rich and noble aristocrats of the Luristan, Elamites, Hurrians, Lullubians, Kutians, and Kassites, went to battle splendidly equipped and wore magnificent bronze armour, using maces, spears and daggers as offensive weapons, alongside spears, bows and arrows. -
Bronze Age Spearhead
11th-10th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Of 'pegged leaf-shaped' type with tapering socket and gusseted midrib, rounded shoulders to the blade, narrow point, two opposed holes for the insertion of attachment rivets. 76 grams, 13.5 cm
Acquired in Germany in 2000. Acquired by the present owner from the above.
