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LOT 0988
Byzantine Bronze Openwork Key
CIRCA 8TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/8 in. (59 grams, 87 mm).
Formed with a hollow bow open to the sides and with lateral struts, each plate pierced with seven equal-arm crosses; pierced lug above for suspension; barrel-type shank with rectangular bit pierced with two similar crosses. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000.
From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
Cf. Pall, M., Schlüssel und Schlösser, Graz, 2012, items 4267, 7399, for type.
FootnotesThe repeated use of the cross symbol may indicate an ecclesiastical use.
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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Byzantine Bronze Weight Collection
Circa 8th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Including mainly barrel-shaped types. 225 grams total, 11-26 mm
Ex Simmons gallery, London, UK. Ex North London collection, 1990s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade with Lead-alloy Filler-Hole
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Biconical body with longitudinal ribs, separate lead-alloy domed filler-hole with cover, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 1.06 kg, 21.5 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. -
Byzantine Bronze Weight Collection
Circa 8th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Including discoid, tabular, cuboid and other types. 125 grams total, 11-25 mm
Ex Simmons gallery, London, UK. Ex North London collection, 1990s.
