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LOT 1452
Miniature Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
2 5/8 in. (89 grams, 67 mm).
Small and biconical in profile with narrow point; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade.
ProvenanceFrom 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'.
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 1452
Miniature Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)
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Mesopotamian Grey Stone Macehead
3rd-2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Biconvex in profile with low tubular socket. 442 grams, 73 mm
Ex 1990s collection and with a central London gallery. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Ovoid in profile with pointillé and linear decoration, domed filler hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 389 grams, 98 mm
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. -
Elamite Decorated Bronze Axehead
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
With a short socketted shaft with hatched panel, triangular-section blade with reeded upper edge, broadening towards the cutting edge. 390 grams, 96 mm
French collection, 1980s. Acquired on the London art market. Private collection, London, UK.
