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LOT 0985
Byzantine Bronze Epigraphic Seals
6TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (4.98 grams total, 13-14 mm).
Comprising: one with radiating legend 'ΛΩΕ' in pointillé technique; one with incised cross and legend 'ΨΟΦΡ' on the finials. [2]
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0985
Byzantine Bronze Epigraphic Seals
Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine Bronze Cross Brooch
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
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. 20.1 grams, 65 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. -
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Byzantine Bronze Segmented Strap
10th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Comprising five hinged sections, each with three central bosses with pelletted collars, further pellets to the field; possibly from a belt. 61.7 grams, 15 cm
UK private collection. Acquired from York Antiques Centre, in 2001. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Piriform body with domed filler-hole, band of tightly arranged teardrop motifs above a zig-zag line to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 432 grams, 10.8 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.
