Fantastic service, beautiful coins exactly as described, the perfect transaction! Highly recommended, many thanks
View translationByzantine Ceramic Engraved Hand Grenade (No Reserve Price)
No. 88588197
A Byzantine grey ceramic vessel featuring a hollow globular body with a pointed base. To the top, the vessel rises into a short narrow neck with a small mouth. The shoulders of the vessel is adorned with an engraved motif of petal-shaped incisions, each with a linear, vertical line in the centre. The neck is encircled with incised lines. Such item would have been filled with an explosive liquid known as ‘Greek Fire’ and used as a hand grenade. Earthly encrustations to the surface.
Greek fire, also referred to as liquid fire, was the most famous weapon of Byzantine arsenal, saving the Byzantines for centuries from Arab attacks. Being used in both defence and attack situations, the weapon proved significant in the survival of the Byzantine Empire. The formula for the flammable mixture was closely guarded for centuries and irredeemably lost after the collapse of the Empire. Its precise composition thus remains unknown to this day, though research suggests the use of petroleum as a vital ingredient. Their average size and grip suggest the vessel being thrown by hand, in short-range conflicts, but this does not exclude the use of grenades in long-distance battles and at sea; as they were most likely hurled by catapults.
Measurements: (circa) L 10cm x W 8cm
Provenance: Ex private UK collection, acquired 1990s.
Seller's Story
A Byzantine grey ceramic vessel featuring a hollow globular body with a pointed base. To the top, the vessel rises into a short narrow neck with a small mouth. The shoulders of the vessel is adorned with an engraved motif of petal-shaped incisions, each with a linear, vertical line in the centre. The neck is encircled with incised lines. Such item would have been filled with an explosive liquid known as ‘Greek Fire’ and used as a hand grenade. Earthly encrustations to the surface.
Greek fire, also referred to as liquid fire, was the most famous weapon of Byzantine arsenal, saving the Byzantines for centuries from Arab attacks. Being used in both defence and attack situations, the weapon proved significant in the survival of the Byzantine Empire. The formula for the flammable mixture was closely guarded for centuries and irredeemably lost after the collapse of the Empire. Its precise composition thus remains unknown to this day, though research suggests the use of petroleum as a vital ingredient. Their average size and grip suggest the vessel being thrown by hand, in short-range conflicts, but this does not exclude the use of grenades in long-distance battles and at sea; as they were most likely hurled by catapults.
Measurements: (circa) L 10cm x W 8cm
Provenance: Ex private UK collection, acquired 1990s.
Seller's Story
- 372
- 21
- 2
Quick and safe deluvery, thank you
View translationThank you very much for the beautiful coins👍🏻
View translationCollier magnifique et bien emballé !!
View translationOptisch wie beschrieben. Der Verschluss ist sehr schwer zu schließen. Der Kranz um das Glas, war bei Lieferung sehr locker und kann komplett abgehoben werden..
View translationGreat seller. Recommended. Beautiful item and perfect packaging.
View translationBien reçu mon achat et je suis très très content!!😀 Mille merci, le colis était très bien réalisé et sécurisé.
View translationNice coin & thanks for brilliant packing as well as quick delivery
View translationlivraison rapide et objet conforme à la photo
View translationWell received: thank you very much!
View translationThank you for the fast delivery! The object is great! I‘m very happy! Regards Marcel
View translationMagnifique et rare objet song, avec certificat d'authenticité, très bien protégé, envoi rapide. Merci beaucoup !
View translationThank you ++++
View translationProdusul este foarte bun, la fel si pretul de achixitie. In schimb fotmalitatile vamale in Romania sunt complicate.
View translationnice pieces, thank you!
View translationAmazing pieces of art
View translationThe item arrived after a short time, and was packed very good, with a little box to the item itself. Very good experience with the seller.
View translationbien arrivé, bien emballé, conforme. petits formats
View translationPrachtig flesje. Zorgvuldig Verzonden.
View translationVielen Dank, Wunderschöne Objekte, Professionell verpackt und gut Geschützt. Super schnelle Lieferung. Ich bin sehr zufrieden.
View translationParfait! Merci...
View translationExtremely quick delivery and the objects were sent together.
View translationVenditore super veloce nella spedizione. Qualche problema logistico con il corriere FedEx ma fortunatamente tutto è andato bene. Merce favolosa come da aspettative
View translationGod quality. Fast delivery
View translationPrachtig flesje. Zorgvuldig Verzonden met duidelijke papieren.
View translation- 372
- 21
- 2
Fantastic service, beautiful coins exactly as described, the perfect transaction! Highly recommended, many thanks
View translationDisclaimer
The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally. The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence. The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object. The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer. The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits.
The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally. The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence. The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object. The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer. The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits.