Viking Age and Later Iron Axehead Group

With a piriform body and domed mouth, stepped rings to the foot, engraved decoration on the shoulders with crosses and grapes; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 573 grams, 15 cm



Acquired 1990s. From the H.N. collection, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, UK. 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 Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also in 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.

Featuring an elongated triangular butt, flanged cylindrical socket, slender neck with broad, flaring cheeks; the blade, upper and lower edges notched. 1.36 kg, 28 cm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.

Featuring a tapering tang, winged neck, waisted cheeks and slightly convex cutting edge. 259 grams, 21.2 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.