9th-11th century AD. A hollow ceramic vessel with conical body, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade; piriform type with tall stepped nozzle, band of impressed laurel-leaf decoration to the equator. 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. 822 grams, 18cm (7"). Property of a North West London gentleman; part of his father's collection formed during the 1980s; 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. [No Reserve]