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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 Expanding-Arm Cross
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
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. -
Large Byzantine Bronze Bread Stamp
Circa 7th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,560
Featuring a crucifix-shaped monogram with reversed inscription in Greek letters written in two intersecting lines 'ΠET PX Y', translating to 'Peter, servant of God' most likely a benefaction to Jesus Christ from an individual; large applied handle to the reverse. 361 grams, 12.7 cm
Previously in a German collection. Ex Austrian collection. In a London collection from the 1990s. Accompanied by a previous catalogue information slip. -
Byzantine Bronze Artefact Group
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Comprising: a large bronze buckle with thick round-section loop, ribbed tongue with acanthus-leaf design in-high relief, two pierced lugs to the reverse; a smaller buckle with long plate decorated with openwork geometric forms; a small seal box shaped as a youthful head with details on hair and face, open catch at the top. 107 grams total, 39-68 mm
Acquired in Europe in 1992. European private collection.
This type of belt elements, although present in the Avar graves of the second half of the 7th century, were most likely produced in the workshops of the Eastern Roman Empire, from where they reached the Avar lands as imperial gifts or spoils of war. They could be simple fastenings for belts, or part of multiple belts, to which sabres and knives were attached, commonly used among Avars, Bulgars and Romans during the 6th -7th centuries A.D.
