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“Greek Fire” Grenade

371, Lot: 1338. Estimate $400.
Sold for $850. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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.