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LOT 0974
Byzantine Bronze Inscribed Cross Pendant
12TH-14TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (3.74 grams, 32 mm).
Comprising a flat-section body and integral suspension loop, Greek inscription to the upper face.
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Bronze Figural Intaglio Gemstone
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £44
Oval-shaped with intaglio motif of a standing robed figure facing left, inscription to the right. 0.70 grams, 14 mm
From an important collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva. -
Byzantine Lead Cross
5th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Flat-section cruciform mount with stub arms and attachment point at one end; high-relief saltires, hoops and other detailing. 357 grams, 21.5 cm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection since the late 1990s. -
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Piriform body with vertical ribs and impressed roundels across the whole surface, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 662 grams, 15.5 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.
