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LOT 1010
Byzantine Bronze Cross Brooch
CIRCA 6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/2 in. (20.1 grams, 65 mm).
Formed as an expanding-arm cross pommy with lower arm developing two lateral loops with shallow recesses, ring-and-dot motifs; pin-lugs and catch to reverse. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceUK private collection before 2000.
Acquired on the UK art market.
Property of a London gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Seal Matrix with Inscription
Circa 6th-12th century A.D.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
With inscription '+ΘKEB / OΘTO / ΔΟΛΟ / ΤΘΛΑ' for 'ΘΕΟΤΟΚΕ ΒΟΗΘΕΛ ΤΩ ΔΟΥΛΩ ΤΟΥ ΘΕΟΥ ΛΑΔΕ' (Mother of God, help Lades, the servant of God). 13.1 grams, 18 mm
From an important collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Piriform body with domed filler-hole, segmented bands radiating from the filler hole interspersed with bands of impressed pellets; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 414 grams, 10.4 cm
From a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 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. -
Byzantine Rock Crystal Pendant with Cross
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,120
Piriform amuletic pendant with manus dei 'hand of God' motif to the side and wreath to the underside enclosing a cross flanked by 'AΩ'. 5 grams, 20 mm
From a London, UK, collection, 1980s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12241-22289.
