Medieval Iron Crossbow Bolt Group

Mainly comprising socketted bolts with tapering a facetted square-section tips. 798 grams total, 5.7-10 cm



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

Piriform body with domed filler-hole, marked by horizontal lines to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 355 grams, 10.3 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. 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. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.

Comprising a curved single-edged iron blade; openwork bronze handle with a standing eagle finial; an open groove to the back of the eagle and handle to accept the folding blade. 37 grams, 14.5 cm



Ex California, USA, collection formed since the late 1960s. European art market before the late 1990s.