Byzantine `Greek Fire` hand grenade or firebomb

A grey ceramic piriform Greek Fire grenade with a thickened rim enclosing a narrow circular mouth and decoration of stamped quatrefoil patterns within concentric circles around the shoulders.

Supplied with a metal display stand.

Circa 12th-14th century AD.

Very Fine condition

Height of the vessel 14 cms (5.5 ins). Weight 650 grams incl. stand.

From a collection of a North London gentleman, latterly with a London gallery.

Literature: W. Arendt Irene Granaten des 13-14. Jahrhunderts, die an der Wolga gefunden sind, Zeitschrift fur Historische Waffen-und Kostumkunde, 11 (1926-8), p. 42 W. Arendt Die Spharisch-konischen Gefasse aus Gebranntem Ton, ibid. D. Ayalon Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p. 16. For an example of the type see Lot 331 Christie’s Sale 8829 Arms and armour 12 July 2000.

Contemporary accounts indicate that like an early form of Molotov cocktail, such vessels were filled with flammable material such as naphtha a wick was inserted into the aperture and lit, and the whole vessel hurled at the enemy. They were mainly used in naval engagements and would have been devastating against wooden ships. There was at one time considerable controversy over the purpose of these items, however an article published by W. Arendt in 1931 established beyond doubt that they are grenades.