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; concentric transverse bands to the lower body and neck, short neck with narrow aperture. 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. 755 grams, 12cm (5"). Ex North London gentleman; formerly in an important collection of warfare artifacts; 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]