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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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LOT 1433
Byzantine Bronze Archer's Thumb Ring Group
Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
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Elamite Decorated Bronze Axehead
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
With a slender, scooped blade, a round socket with a ribbed outer flange, and three lobed extensions to the rear of the socket with low-relief decorative bands. 360 grams, 10.4 cm
French collection, 1980s. Acquired on the London art market. Private collection, London, UK. -
Greek Bronze Arrowhead Group
Circa 5th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Each socketted with a side lug and raised midrib. 20.4 grams total, 43-48 mm
From a private Tyneside collection, formed since the early 2000s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Cylindrical body with pointed tip, two vertical lugs on the upper body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 513 grams, 14.5 cm
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.