BYZANTINE CERAMIC "GREEK FIRE" HAND GRENADE
Similar Sale History
View More Items in Firefighter & Rescue MemorabiliaRelated Firefighter & Rescue Memorabilia
More Items in Byzantine Firefighter & Rescue Memorabilia
View MoreRecommended Historical Memorabilia
View MoreItem Details
Description
Ca. 900-1100 AD.A ceramic "Greek fire" grenade comprising a globular body with a pointed base and a domed lid. The vessel is decorated with a central register of an incised diagonal pattern. It is believed that vessels such as this one contained an incendiary agent known as "Greek fire", which, since it was impervious to water, made these vessels invaluable weapons in naval battles. Unfortunately, the exact composition of the Greek fire is unknown. However, scholars posit that the mixture was composed of pine resin, naphtha, quicklime, and sulphur. To find out more about Greek fire grenades, see Crosby, A. (2002). Throwing fire: Projectile technology through history. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. This item comes with a custom-made display stand.Size: L:110mm / W:85mm ; 490gProvenance: Private UK collection; From an old Oxford collection formed in the 1990s.
Buyer's Premium
- 25% up to £100,000.00
- 25% above £100,000.00
BYZANTINE CERAMIC "GREEK FIRE" HAND GRENADE
Estimate £200 - £300
6 bidders are watching this item.
Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in London, United Kingdom, ukOffers In-House Shipping
Local Pickup Available
Payment
TOP