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LOT 0214
Byzantine Bronze Openwork Key
6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 in. (17.8 grams, 60 mm).
Comprising an articulated decorative handle with a cross motif, a round-section shaft and an openwork bit.
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Pall, M., Schlüssel und Schlösser, Graz, 2012, items 4267, 7399, 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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Byzantine Lead Pilgrim's Holy Water Ampulla
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
An amphora-shaped body with bands of pellet-in-triangle motifs, two loop handles. 17.4 grams, 42.5 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Bulbous body with domed filler hole, two circumferential bands below the neck; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 407 grams, 89 mm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 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 Bronze Ring with Jesus Riding a Donkey
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Comprising a slender hoop with an oval bezel featuring an image of Jesus riding on a donkey before a robed man. 1.92 grams, 21.99 mm overall, 19.65 x 19.26 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)
From an English private collection, 1980s. Property of a London, UK, antiquarian.
