9th-11th century AD. A very large hollow ceramic vessel with domed top and conical base, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade; the body with circumferential lines, band of S-scrolls to the shoulder, short neck. 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. 985 grams, 15.5cm (6"). Property of a North London gentleman; formerly in the Frederick Erskine Collection of Weaponry of the Middle Ages.