9th-11th century AD. A group of three hollow ceramic vessels each with conical body, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade; one with circumferential bands to the body; two with stepped base and neck. 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; Arendt, W., Die Spharisch-konischen Gefasse aus Gebranntem Ton, ibid.; Ayalon, D., Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p.16. 1.7 kg total, 11-14cm (4 1/4 - 5 1/2"). Property of a North West London gentleman; part of his father's collection formed during the 1980s; 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. [3, No Reserve]

Fine condition.