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LOT 0857
Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Bronze Cross Group
7TH-19TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 - 2 7/8 in. (51.8 grams total, 36-73 mm).
Comprising: a cross buckle with pin; the upper plate of a small enkolpion with a praying Virgin or Saint; two orthodox pectoral crosses, both with inscription 'IC' (Iesus) 'XC' (Christos ) 'NIKA' (Christ is victorious); the smallest cross with invocation-prayer engraved on the back. [4, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market.
Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance.
Cf. Schulze-Dörrlamm, M., Byzantinische Gürtelschnallen und Gürtelbeschläge im Römisch-Germanischen Zentralmuseum. Teil 2. Die Schnallen mit Scharnierbeschläg und Schnallen mit angegossenem Riemendurchzug des 7. bis 10. Jahrhunderts, Mainz, 2009, pp.9ff, fig.227.
FootnotesThe fragment of the simpler Maltese cross mount corresponds to the type E2 of Schulze-Dörrlamm, here with straight arms with rounded corners. It resembles the cross-shaped hinge fittings of the belt buckles from Herrera de Pisuerga and tomb 9 from El Tesorillo from Visigoth Spain, two bronze fittings from Lusitania and the buckle with busts of saints and the Greek inscription 'Light and Life' from Korbous in Tunisia. These kind of buckles were also found in male warrior graves.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Bronze Weight Collection
8th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Consisting of square-shaped weights of various sizes, most displaying markings to one or more faces in the form of Christian crosses; X-motifs; pricked letters; inscribed Greek letters; together with one weight featuring gusseted side walls. 92 grams total, 9-21 mm
Ex Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s. From a North London collection. -
Byzantine Bronze Horse Harness Boss Pendant
15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Large domed centre with low-relief sun wheel design, pellets to the rim and suspension loop above. 28.6 grams, 75 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
In the late period of Byzantium, round-shaped buckles and horse harness mounts were often decorated with beaded edges and with floral embossed ornaments, under the influence of the Ottoman Turks. They have the shape of a small shield and impressed decoration of a rose. If belt appliques, they have an extra boss for attachment, instead of the loop usually attached to the horse harness pendants. -
Byzantine Gold Ring with Engraved Cross Gemstone
6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,111
With baluster detailing to the shoulders, ellipsoid bezel with decorative band to the cell wall, inset garnet cabochon with intaglio design of a cross beneath a wreath and dish below. 3.35 grams, 21.60 mm overall, 19.51 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11865-206975.
