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LOT 1431
Byzantine Bronze Four-Faced Seal Matrix with Bust
CIRCA 14TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (18.3 grams, 30 mm).
The shank formed as a female bust with shoulder-length hair developing into four radiating beast-heads; suspension loop above; underside with central 'pelican in her piety' motif, legend to the border in seriffed capitals '+ KEBITOCOΔOVΛWNHKHTAN'.
ProvenancePrivate collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent.
LiteratureCf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 741, for type.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1431
Byzantine Bronze Four-Faced Seal Matrix with Bust
Estimate £200 - 300€230 - 350 (for guidance only)$270 - 410 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£100 (EUR 116; USD 135) ‡+BP*
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £70 - 90 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Bulbous body with rounded base and domed filler hole, impressed circumferential bands on the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 790 grams, 11.9 cm
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. -
Byzantine Stone Amulet with Engraved Christ
10th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £120 - 170 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £60
D-shaped in plan with raised rim to the obverse, facing bust with nimbus and cross; inked collector's labels to reverse. 2.53 grams, 18 mm
Private collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent. -
Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Expanding arms and an integral suspension loop, the obverse with punched ring-and-dot decoration. 6.02 grams, 42 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
