Bulbous body with pointed base and domed filler-hole, a circumferential band above the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 276 grams, 87 mm



From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s. 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.

An enkolpion plate with hinge-loops, nimbate robed figure at the centre in orans pose. 16.5 grams, 68 mm



From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s.

Fan-shaped earring with recurved suspension hook; notched outer edge with punched pellets, cell with inset blue glass cabochon. 5.14 grams, 40 mm



From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. Accompanied by the original collector's data sheet(s) with reference no.A66.

Formed from two hinged plates with a recess to the inner face of each, cast suspension loop to the upper hinge; obverse with four incised equal-arm crosses and 'MIXAHΛ' (Michael) legend; reverse with low-relief image of nimbate Mary in orans pose. 56.8 grams, 10.1 cm



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

Piriform body with raised edge to the filler hole and low-relief linear decoration on the body, the base with a rosette. 110 grams, 94 mm



From the collection of a Cambridge, UK, gentleman, by direct descent from his father, who acquired the items in London in circa 1960.

Bifacial cross with lobed finials, gilt Greek inscription on both sides, one side with 'KE BOHΘΗ' placed vertically and 'TON ΔOY[...]' horizontally; the other side with 'ΛON COY CTYΛY' placed vertically, and 'ANON' horizontally; the whole inscription reading: 'KγριΕ BOHΘH TON ΔOYΛON COY CTYΛYANON' = Lord helps your servant Stylianos. 4.52 grams, 34 mm



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

Obverse: central facing nimbate figure of Mary with 'MHP ΘV' legend, facing nimbate bust in each of the roundels; reverse with cruciform void and pellets; hinged loop with ropework detailing. 43.1 grams, 88 mm



From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s.

Enkolpion with hinged loop, nimbate figure in orans pose to obverse, Corpus Christi to reverse. 14.2 grams, 56 mm



From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s.

Cruciform with raised border, low-relief nimbate Corpus Christi with legend to lower edge of each arm, suspension loop above. 14.6 grams, 42 mm



From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s.

Openwork seal with a triangular loop on the reverse, accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 52 x 51 x 22 mm. This is round, with flat face and flat back, on which a large handle of inverted V-shape is mounted. The design is both compartmented and open-work. It consists of a rosette, with inner circle, band around that, and ten 'petals' from this circle, giving the shape of the piece. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is covered with incrustation, which could be removed. The metal beneath appears to be in good condition, as is the piece generally.' 42.3 grams, 51 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly report, numbered R-517, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert.

Composed of tubular and tongue-shaped tabular beads, restrung. 49.7 grams, 33 cm



Acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. Ex London, UK, collection.

Comprising a cross-shaped body and a large U-shaped loop on the reverse. 14.5 grams, 41 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s.