Byzantine Bronze Expanding-Arm Cross

Comprising a round-section hoop with a tablet-bezel engraved with an imperial figure holding a cross in the right hand, a palm branch extending over the head and Greek inscription 'AΦT' (Aghia Photini or Aghia Photia) to the right. 4.85 grams, 20.41 mm overall, 16.21 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K 1/2, USA 5 1/2, Europe 10.58, Japan 10)



Ex Axia Art, London, UK. Property of a North American gallery. Accompanied by a positive scientific statement from Striptwist Limited, a London-based company run by historical precious metal specialist Dr Jack Ogden, reference number 170706. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12116-214329.

This type of ring belongs to a typical category of the period in question, made with high quality materials, and decorated with images of saints to invoke their protection. Aghia Fotini, a saint venerated throughout the Christian world since the 6th century A.D., was a famous Samaritan woman, who spoke with Jesus at Jacob's well. According to her hagiographic legend she and her children were martyred under Nero.

Piriform body decorated with concentric circles, with sphero-conical filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 660 grams, 12.8 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. 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.

Each arm with raised Y-shaped median panels and two bulb finials; shank below broken. 20.2 grams, 51 mm



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