Western Asiatic Bronze Barbed Arrowhead

Triangular in plan with raised central midrib and tapering lugs below, square socket and circular horizontal piercing through the body above. 24.7 grams, 63 mm



On the European art market before 2000. Ex collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman; acquired on the UK art market.

With broad shoulder, short neck, domed square-shaped lip and conical base, broad medial band, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 472 grams, 10.7 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'.

The effectiveness of these grenades was much lower than the fire liquid thrown by the siphons. They were thrown by hand as it is evident by the presence of some sort of handle on the body of some of them to better allow the grip of the object (Raimondo, 2000 Plate 11a; fig. 4, c-d). Nothing excludes that they were also launched at more long distance with catapults or other war engines. The presence of a fuse for triggering the explosion is evidenced by the narrow mouth of the largest part of the grenades.

With wide swept blade, large socket with shallow raised circumferential rib, hammer to the rear. 1.34 kg, 19 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.