Medieval and Later Bronze Buckle Collection

Piriform body with segmented shoulder and impressed roundels, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 294 grams, 91 mm



From 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'.

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 Petersen's Type S (Wheeler Type III) with five graduated lobes; the lower face a swept arc; pierced through the tallest lobe to accept the tang of the sword's blade. 67 grams, 54 mm



Found Market Rasen, Lincolnshire Wolds, UK, 1970s. Property of Mr A.B., an American collector.

Featuring hammered helmet detailing together with mythical creatures and coiled snakes. 1.5 kg, 30.5 cm high



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

The helmet is modelled upon the pseudo-Corinthian models of antiquity. The gryphon represented refers to the wars between these mythological creatures and the Arimaspes.