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LOT 0813
Byzantine Bronze Cross Collection
10TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 - 1 1/2 in. (17.2 grams total, 29-37 mm).
Including one miniature enkolpion with articulated suspension loop, four of various types with integral loop. [5]
ProvenanceEnglish collection, early 2000s.
Ex central London gallery.
Cf. Pitarakis, B., Les Croix-Reliquaires Pectorales Byzantines en Bronze, Paris, 2006, item 277, for type.
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 Inlaid Gold Earrings
4th-9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
Each composed of a large bulb, hinged hoop above adorned with three granulated cells set with glass (one insert absent); four circular cells to the equator set with stones of alternating blue and red colour, granulated lozenges between, pyramid bulbs below adorned with granule clusters, collar of suspension loops above; articulate hinges. 8.87 grams total, 42 mm each
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Byzantine Ceramic 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Of piriform shape, with raised inverted tear-shaped bulbs over the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 931 grams, 16.1 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private 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. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Byzantine Silver Architectural Ring
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Composed of a broad hoop with gently chamfered upper and lower edge, openwork bezel with monogram to top; early Byzantine or Lombardic. 10.48 grams, 32.95 mm overall,18.10 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.26, Japan 16)
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
