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LOT 1329
Byzantine Bronze Buckle Plate with Lion of Saint Mark
CIRCA 10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (6.2 grams, 30.5 mm).
Rectangular plaque with two loops and a low-relief image of a facing lion with emphasised head. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
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 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Piriform in profile with a domed filler hole, linear decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 513 grams, 12.2 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s. 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 Buckle with Decorative Plate
8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Buckle plate with rectangular body and hinged loop, broad tongue; reserved profile figure of a peacock enmeshed with tendrils and globe 19.60 grams, 83 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Byzantine Terracotta Roundel with Cross
Circa 5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
Circular disc with a central cross motif surrounded by a wreath. 10 grams, 33.7 mm
From the late collection of a Cornish couple, formed from the early 1990s.
