9th-11th century AD. A hollow ceramic vessel with piriform body, short neck and domed mouth, decorated with a circumferential band of shallow vertical dashes; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and ed as a hand grenade. 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; cf. Arendt, W., Die Spharisch-konischen Gefasse a Gebranntem Ton, ibid; cf. Ayalon, D., Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p.16. 482 grams, 13.5cm high (5 1/4"). London gallery display collection exhibiting the wide range of decorative types. From the collection of a North London gentleman. Apanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (??????? k???????) 9th-11th century AD.