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LOT 1062
Byzantine Bronze Pendant Cross
10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
1 5/8 in. (4.43 grams, 44 mm).
Expanding-arm type with integral loop and low-relief Maltese cross at the centre. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Bronze Pendant Cross
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Flat in section with integral loop, recessed design to obverse with roundel and radiating petals. 3 grams, 30 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Silver Ring with Cross
5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Discoid bezel with incuse cross fourchee, interstitial saltire. 3.83 grams, 24.35 mm overall, 20.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Bulbous, undecorated body with rounded base; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 447 grams, 95 mm
From a specialist collection, London, UK, 1990-2000s. 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.
