Byzantine Bronze Expanding-Arm Cross Mount

6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.

3 7/8 in. (56.4 grams, 98 mm).

Finial from a processional or altar cross, with incised guilloche bands to the obverse and central socket for a cabochon, lobes to the angles; pierced lower arm with attachment scars to both faces. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Belgium collection, 1980s.
From the collection of an London antiquarian.

Literature

Cf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 543, for type.

Footnotes

These kind of crosses were mainly used for religious purposes. However, in 6th and 7th centuries A.D., they could be fixed at the top of the standards of the Roman Christian Army, as clearly described from the Arab sources speaking about the battle of Yarmouk. For this battle the Arab sources give a detailed description of the Roman standards, with at the top a golden cross, a golden cross tied to a silver chain, a cross with glittering jewels, a golden cross encrusted with jewels. The cross at the top of the standards, also of small dimensions like this one, is visible on miniature statuette of Roman Cavalrymen/Military Saints from Roman Egypt.

CONDITION

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LOT 0963