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LOT 0174
Byzantine Bronze Medallion with the Virgin and Child
11TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 in. (17.8 grams, 34 mm).
Square in plan with loop above; obverse with Mary Theotokos in a scrolled frame; reverse with cross pommee flanked by saltires and other signs. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom Phoenix Ancient Art SA, New York, USA, 2004.
Ex central London, UK, gallery.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Piriform in profile with domed mouth and narrow point, the body with raised lugs and bosses on a stamped background; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 780 grams, 13.8 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 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'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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 Bronze Ring with Inscription
12th-13th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £46
With broad discoid bezel, lateral spurs; incuse Greek legend: 'AΓΗ ЄΝ ΘЄΟ ΔΗΜ(sic)' (Holy in God, Demetrios?). 11.46 grams, 24.86 mm overall, 17.30 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant
10th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
With splayed end to each arm and integral loop; pointillé motifs to both faces. 7.58 grams, 44 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
