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Peter Reynaers

A Byzantine ceramic vessel featuring a hollow globular body with a pointed base, the tip of which is now chipped off. To the top, the vessel rises into a short neck and splays out slightly into a thick rim and small mouth. The shoulder of the vessel is encircled with intricately incised motifs composed of alternating circles and pairs of dots. Parallel slanted lines encompass the base of the neck. Such an item would have been filled with an explosive liquid known as ‘Greek Fire’ and used as a hand grenade. Earthy encrustations, indentations and chipping to the surface. Cracks to the neck, shoulder, as well as the base. Chips to the rim.

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: L 16.8cm x W 10.3cm

Provenance: Ex private UK collection, acquired 1990s.

Circa 9th-11th Century AD

Byzantine Ceramic Decorated Hand Grenade  (No reserve price)

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As new - unused

Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear

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Alcohol Percent List

46.3%

57.1%

48.3%

47.8%

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56.5%

48.5%

Alcohol % unknown

51.5%

51.8%

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Byzantine Ceramic Decorated Hand Grenade (No reserve price)

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