Byzantine 7th Century Hand Grenade

Crusades hand grenade!

Near East, Crusader Period, c. 7th-9th Century AD. A terracotta ‘grenade’ in the form of a stylized fish. The body of the weapon has a fin-like backside and a small tail, raised and incised bands with rippling decorate the back. The lip is very thick with a narrow neck to tie a stopper. Intact, light yellowish earthen slip with some Byzantine markings on one side. 3 7/8″ (10 cm) long.

Ex Henk Huffener 19th Century collection, UK.