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LOT 1433
Byzantine Bronze Archer's Thumb Ring Group
10TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 - 1 1/4 in. (17.4 grams total, 28-30 mm).
Comprising three variously sized rings, one with floral decoration. [3]
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Greek and Luristan Bronze Arrowhead Collection
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Mainly triangular-headed and leaf-shaped tanged types. 168 grams total, 3.9-10.3 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. -
Medieval Bronze Flail Head with Four Heads
14th-15th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Formed as four radiating D-shaped masks beneath a rosette, substantial suspension loop. 114 grams, 60 mm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Ovoid in profile with pointillé and linear decoration, domed filler hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 389 grams, 98 mm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. 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.