1453 - Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade. 9th-11th century A.D. Bulbous body with rounded base and domed filler hole, the shoulder with an impressed band of rosettes and two circumferential bands above; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 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 Gef e aus Gebranntem Ton, ibid; cf. Ayalon, D., Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p.16. 681 grams, 12 cm (4 3/4 in.). [No Reserve]

Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade. 9th-11th century A.D. Bulbous body with rounded base and domed filler hole, the shoulder with an impressed band of rosettes and two circumferential bands above; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 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 Gef e aus Gebranntem Ton, ibid; cf. Ayalon, D., Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p.16. 681 grams, 12 cm (4 3/4 in.). [No Reserve] Ex important collection of weaponry, London, UK, 1980-1990s. 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 (??????? k???????) 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 ?????? k?????? or ????????????, where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists. See our website for more information.