Post Medieval Cased 'Manchester Area' Militaria and Other Artefact Collection

The bowl forged from a single piece and fitted with removable cheek-pieces; the dome divided into two halves by a carinated ridge, the peaked crown separated from the lower helmet wall by an indented ridge; cut-outs for ears and eyes with raised edges; short, angular neck-guard and short nose-guard extending to the eyebrows; the cheek-pieces with contoured front edge, holes for a chin-strap; remains of textile on the left side of the bowl; accompanied by a display stand. 2.15 kg total, 43 cm high including stand



From the collection of T.K., Germany, 1970s. Acquired in 1992 by Mr R.K. Acquired by the present owner on the UK art market. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12782-240166. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Hinged cheek-pieces, like in our specimen, appeared in Thracia during the 4th century, but prototypes from the Pontic area and wider Greece show them already in use in the 5th century B.C. The traces of textile on the left part of our helmet show that it was stored inside a protective item -perhaps a case or bag – guarding it against atmospheric agents or possible damage when not in use.

Piriform body with a domed mouth; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 567 grams, 13.2 cm



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'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

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.

With prominent lateral wings to the shoulder, midrib extending from the ricasso to the tip and developing to form the tang. 378 grams, 53 cm



Acquired in the 1990s. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.