An interphalangeal ring with a hexagonal bezel showing two nimbate figures. 7.64 grams, 20.53 mm overall, 15.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)



Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

This category of rings had a hexagonal-rounded chaton raised above the link. Conforming to the iconography of the Orthodox countries under the influence of Byzantium, the possible decoration was related to the military saints.

Including equal-arm, expanding-arm and other types; offered with a lead finger-ring master. 85 grams total, 18-41 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

With narrow triangular flange, low-relief geometric designs, three hexagonal plaques. 17.11 grams, 39.50 mm overall, 22.88 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z+2, USA 13 1/4, Europe 31.31, Japan 30)



From a Cambridgeshire, UK, collection, 1990s.

Expanding-arm type with integral loop. 2.07 grams, 24 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Flat in section with integral loop, recessed design to obverse with roundel and radiating petals. 3 grams, 30 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Broad bezel with incised bird in flight motif. 3.71 grams, 21.84 mm overall, 19.28 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Piriform in profile with raised lugs and stamped rosettes on the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 670 grams, 12.5 cm



From a specialist collection, London, UK, 1990-2000s. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.

Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια, where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.

Enkolpion with hinged loop, nimbate figure in orans pose to obverse, Corpus Christi to reverse; usage wear. 13.79 grams, 45 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Wide hoop expanding at the shoulders, octagonal bezel with a stylised figure holding a sword and a shield. 7.11 grams, 23.16 mm overall, 19.40 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

In these rings, the octagonal circular bezel bears a stylised warrior. The bezel of these rings was decorated with stylised images, very often military saints, invoking protection and blessing.

Hollow-formed gold earring shaped like the letter 'psi' (Ψ) with filigree detailing; attached chain drops with pearls, garnets, and other beads; a marriage. 4.92 grams, 73 mm



From a European collection, 1960s. Ex North London, UK, gentleman.

The enkolpion with hinged loop, nimbate figure in orans pose with a smaller robed figure before, inscription above, two nimbate saints to the arms. 49.5 grams, 10.6 cm



Acquired on the German art market, 2003. Private collection, Europe.

Hoop with angled shoulders, hexagonal bezel with a stylised nimbate warrior holding a long spear and a shield. 3.24 grams, 21.62 mm overall, 18.18 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

The bronze ring is compactly worked from a single bar. The hoop, hemispherical in section, broadens at the top, where the hexagonal ring bezel was hammered. The decoration inscribed in the hexagon shows a military saint in the upper field, surrounded by lines running parallel to the hexagon, which form a further decorative element. The bezel of these rings was decorated with stylised images, very often military saints, who were asked for protection and blessing. They are usually represented as one or two human figures, schematically depicted, inscribed in a circle, decorating the bezel.