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LOT 0973
Byzantine Bronze Artefact Group
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 - 2 5/8 in. (107 grams total, 39-68 mm).
Comprising: a large bronze buckle with thick round-section loop, ribbed tongue with acanthus-leaf design in-high relief, two pierced lugs to the reverse; a smaller buckle with long plate decorated with openwork geometric forms; a small seal box shaped as a youthful head with details on hair and face, open catch at the top. [3]
ProvenanceAcquired in Europe in 1992.
European private collection.
Cf. Baldini Lippolis, I., L'Oreficeria nell'Impero di Costantinopoli tra IV e VII secolo (the Jewellery in the Empire of Constantinople between IV and VII century, in Italian), Bari, 1999, pp.229ff, for the type of buckle.
FootnotesThis type of belt elements, although present in the Avar graves of the second half of the 7th century, were most likely produced in the workshops of the Eastern Roman Empire, from where they reached the Avar lands as imperial gifts or spoils of war. They could be simple fastenings for belts, or part of multiple belts, to which sabres and knives were attached, commonly used among Avars, Bulgars and Romans during the 6th -7th centuries A.D.
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 Architectural Electrum Ring with Emerald Engraved with a Dove
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,860
With facetted hoop and conical architectural bezel with applied filigree decoration, set with an emerald with engraved dove flying left. 7.55 grams, 37.12 mm overall, 20.74 mm internal diameter (approximate size British W, USA 11, Europe 25, Japan 24)
Ex Michael O'hara collection, before 1989. From the private collection of the late A.B., London, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12004-213033.
The quality of this finger ring suggests that it was the work of an excellent goldsmith who may have worked for the court in Constantinople or an important provincial imperial capital, like Ravenna or Carthage. -
Byzantine Bronze Trade Weight Collection
Circa 6th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Mixed group of discoid and oblate trade weights with low-relief detailing. 39 grams total, 9-19 mm
Acquired since the 1970s. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Bronze Bread Stamp Seal
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
With sturdy loop to reverse, reserved text 'O / ITΛΠΥ / Υ'. 88 grams, 70 mm
Acquired in London in 2011. European private collection.
