Loading, please wait...
LOT 0972
Byzantine Belt Mount with Lion Combat Scene
CIRCA 6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
1 7/8 in. (18.5 grams, 47 mm).
Belt buckle plate with loops, lateral spurs and knop finial; low-relief scene of a man grappling with a beast in a landscape with tree and flowers; mounting lugs to the reverse; old collector's envelop with handwritten text 'sceau / Carthage / combat Homme et Lion / [..] Jardin' (seal / Carthage / fight between man and lion / [..] garden). [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound in Carthage.
From a 19th century collection based on the handwritten package.
From the collection of a London antiquarian.
Accompanied by an old hand written collector's envelope.
Cf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 471, for type.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0972
Byzantine Belt Mount with Lion Combat Scene
Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
-
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Piriform body with domed filler-hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 567 grams, 11.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. 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. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Byzantine Bronze Expanding-Arm Cross
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Each arm with raised Y-shaped median panels and two bulb finials; shank below broken. 20.2 grams, 51 mm
Belgium collection, 1980s. From the collection of an London antiquarian. -
Byzantine Gold Garnet Set Pendant
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
D-shaped cabochon garnet set in a gold cell with wire dangle beneath. 1.05 grams, 24 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
