9th-11th century BC. A very large ceramic piriform vessel with conical base, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade; decorated with incised concentric circles and transverse bands to the body, four raised lugs to the shoulder; domed top absent. Cf. Arendt, W. Irene 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. 1.5 kg, 15.5cm (6"). Ex North London gentleman; formerly in an important collection of warfare artifacts; accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, date 15 July 2019 and entitled Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (??????? k???????) 9th-11th century AD.