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LOT 1462
Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
6 1/2 in. (623 grams, 16.5 cm).
A hollow vessel with cylindrical body, short neck and domed mouth, band of latticework to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a specialist London, UK, arms and armour collection, 1990s.
LiteratureCf. 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.
FootnotesThis was a type of ceramic fire grenade, similar to the ones used by the Eastern Romans but of Turco-Mongol type. Apart from the use of manual flame-throwers, special corps of soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations.
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LOT 1462
Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
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. -
Viking Age Bronze Horse Harness Pendant Set
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
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. -
Amarlu Type Bronze Sword with Mushroom Pommel
Late 2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
With solid hilt having a penannular guard, an openwork grip and a conical cast mushroom pommel, the blade with pronounced mid-rib and tapering to a sharp point. 598 grams, 51.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
According to Moorey, such swords with mushroom pommels originated from North-Western Iran, as proved by Amarlu finds. He dates them to the end of the 2nd millennium B.C., more precisely to a period between 1400-1200 B.C.
