9th-11th century AD. A hollow ceramic vessel with piriform body, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick and ed as a hand grenade; decorated with raised inverted teardrops and stamped circlets. See 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; Ayalon, D., Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p.16. 770 grams, 19.5cm (7 3/4"). Acquired in the 1990s. Important English collection. 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. [No Reserve]