9th-11th century AD. A ceramic bulbous vessel with domed top and flat base, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade; a circumferential band of annulets to the shoulder, short neck with narrow aperture. Cf. Arendt, W. I., 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.16.535 grams, 12cm (4 3/4"). Ex North London gentleman; formerly in a private collection formed between 1990 and 2000; accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, date 15 July 2019 and titled Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (??????? k???????) 9th-11th century AD.