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LOT 0209
Byzantine Bronze Bread Stamp Seal
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/4 in. (88 grams, 70 mm).
With sturdy loop to reverse, reserved text 'O / ITΛΠΥ / Υ'.
ProvenanceAcquired in London in 2011.
European private collection.
See Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, items 725-726, for type and discussion.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Gold Fretwork Pendant
6th-10th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £110
Capsule pendant with domed ends and openwork filigree band between, ribbed suspension tube. 0.73 grams, 14 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
10th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £163
Piriform body decorated with concentric circles alternated to round patterns, with domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 545 grams, 12.5 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. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Bird
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
With flared shoulders and octagonal plaque, incuse bird with wings spread in a naive linear style. 2.74 grams, 21.40 mm overall, 18.73 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)
Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman.
