D-section hoop with angled shoulders, hexagonal bezel with a stylised warrior holding a long spear and a shield. 3.78 grams, 22.01 mm overall, 18.76 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)



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.

One panel from an enkolpion with hinge knuckle above; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 123 grams total, 10.5 cm including stand



Previously with an ADA member's London gallery. Ex Important North London gentleman's private collection, 1980-1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a Coincraft certificate of authenticity.

Expanding-arm type with a low-relief Maltese cross at the centre. 4.99 grams, 39 mm



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

Discoid bezel with incuse cross fourchee, interstitial saltire. 3.83 grams, 24.35 mm overall, 20.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK.

D-section hoop with a rectangular bezel bearing an image of a warrior holding a long spear and a shield. 5.09 grams, 24.54 mm overall, 19.19mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)



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 ring link, hemispherical in section, broadens at the top, where the ring head was hammered. It has a hexagonal shape. 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.

With slightly flared arms, transverse piercing above for suspension. 10.6 grams, 33 mm



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

Including a leaf-shaped strap end, vesica-shaped pendant and other items. 24.12 grams total, 26-41 mm



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

Slipper-shaped in plan with curved lug handle to the rear, raised rim to the filler hole, broad shoulder with raised radiating bars, pellets and undulation, stub nozzle, and low basal ring. 88 grams, 11.4 cm



Ex Israeli collection, 1980s.

Discoid bezel with border, incuse spread eagle motif with head turned. 2.51 grams, 22.81 mm overall, 19.97 x 20.21 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U 1/2, USA 10 1/4, Europe 23.15, Japan 22)



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

Lentoid in section and piriform in plan with vestigial knop handle, raised ribbing to the shoulders. 47 grams, 79 mm



From the Lloyd and Jeanne Raport collection, Washington, D.C. and Florida, USA, formed between 1972-2000. Acquired through Bonhams, London, UK.

Ovoid in profile with a rounded base, impressed annulets above the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 760 grams, 11.9 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.

Broad slipper-shaped type with square-ended stub nozzle, broad shoulder with herringbone detailing, discus with ribbed border to the filler-hole, ribbed reflector, and basal ring to the underside. 80 grams, 10.9 cm



Ex Israeli collection, 1980s.