Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant Repousse Matrix

With D-section hoop and flat ellipsoid bezel, incuse complex monogram including crosses potent, omega, rho, epsilon and other characters. 3.88 grams, 23.33 mm overall, 18.75 x 20.20 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)



Private collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK.

Hollow-formed with inset cloison, incuse profile bird motif. 3.52 grams, 22.74 mm overall, 17.38 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K 1/2, USA 5 1/2, Europe 10.58, Japan 10)



Private collection, acquired on the German art market in 1993; thence by descent.

The ring belongs to the type I, variant 3, of Roman gold rings according to Ruseva-Slokoska’s classification. These rings had massive ellipsoid hoops with bands semi-circular on the outside, wider and thicker towards the shoulders.

Bulbous body with rounded base and domed filler hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 390 grams, 96 mm



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.