Luristan Bronze Spearhead

Comprising mainly two-edged narrow blades with thick midrib. 431 grams total, 9.5-19.5 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

The missile with a rounded body flattened on four sides, the flat faces separated by two vertical lines with an annulet above and below, concentric circles surrounding the pointed base, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 660 grams, 11.8 cm



From a specialist London, UK, arms and armour collection, 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.

Mainly comprising square bronze appliqué panels with four piercings, loop to one edge and ovoid dangle. 57 grams total, 20-41 mm



Acquired on the European art market since the early 2000s. From the private Northern Ireland collection of R.M.