Loading, please wait...
LOT 1316
Byzantine Bronze Polycandelon Hanger Chain with Cross
5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
34 1/4 in. (372 grams, 87 cm).
Comprising a substantial link chain with a large cross composed of two rivetted plates.
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Marin, E., Salona Christiana, Split, 1994, no.2 p.284, for a similar bronze cross (inv.no.H5735).
FootnotesPolycandela were basically ring-shaped devices, hung from chains, pierced with circular holes to accommodate the stems of glass lamps. These suspended chandeliers, formed by two perforated concentric circles, held glass lamps filled with oil and having a metal wick holder inside. Crosses were often attached to polycandela, as elements of connection of the chains, a system still used in the actual Oriental churches.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Byzantine Age Gilt Bronze Horse Bridle Decoration Group
9th-10th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Current Winning Bid: £580
Comprising: a domed cap with lateral scoops and attachment holes to the edges, a central applied tapering tube with flared rim; twelve gently domed disc-scales with two attachment points. 357 grams total, 8.2-13.3 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
The cap is provided with a plume-holder and two lateral slots for the ears; the scales decorate the rest of the bridle or harness. -
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
Piriform body with circumferential bands and impressed motifs on the shoulder and wide neck; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 562 grams, 10.3 cm
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.
