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LOT 0943
Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant
10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
2 in. (7.5 grams, 50 mm).
Bifacial cross pommée pendant with raised boss to the centre on both sides. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Piriform in profile with narrow point and domed mouth; the upper body decorated with impressed pellets; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 441 grams, 10.7 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 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'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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 Ring with Letter Cross
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Comprising a flat-section hoop and discoid bezel with a cruciform inscription containing the words ΦωC ('light') vertically and ZωH ('Life') horizontally, laurel wreath surrounding. 3.32 grams, 22.10 mm overall, 19.62 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The inscription refers to Jesus Christ being the light, and the life. -
Byzantine Bronze Buckle-Plate with Combat Scene
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Tongue-shaped in plan with knop finial and three pierced lugs to the reverse; raised rim enclosing a scene with advancing gladiator and a lion(?) preparing to attack. 19.1 grams, 49 mm
Ex London and Home Counties gentleman, R.W., 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.