Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant Group

Bifacial enkolpion with hinged polyhedral suspension loop above; obverse with low-relief central Corpus Christi and two small figures to each arm, inscription 'ICXC NHKΛ' (Christ Victorious); reverse with central seated figure of Mary in orans pose surrounded by text and with a male bust in each roundel. 155 grams, 11.1 cm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Flat hoop with clasped-hands detailing to the underside, raised rectangular panels with saltire detailing and interstitial stamped lozenges; bezel divided into two tapering bars, each with a knop finial at the apex. 2.78 grams, 24.89 mm overall, 19.72 x 19.25 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)



Private collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent.

Bulbous body with rounded base and domed filler hole, impressed circumferential bands on the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 919 grams, 13 cm



Ex important collection of weaponry, London, UK, 1980-1990s. 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.