“Greek Fire” Grenade
371, Lot: 1338. Estimate $400. Sold for $850. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee. |
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Terra cotta “Greek fire” grenade. Islamic, circa 10th century AD or later. An ornately decorated piece with rosettes, Islamic monograms, shields, and intertwined two-headed monsters that were no doubt intended to symbolically wreak havoc on enemies in addition to the power of the grenade.
Height: 14.1cm. Well preserved.
From the J. S. Wagner Collection.
In ancient times these grenades were known as “Greek fire” and were filled with flammable liquids and a wick via the hole on top.