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LOT 1110
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant Plate
CIRCA 6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/2 in. (20 grams, 63 mm).
Enkolpion panel with hinge knuckles; low-relief robed figure in orans pose. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx C.J.Martin, UK.
From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s.
Accompanied by a handwritten ticket.
Cf. Pitarakis, B., Les Croix-Reliquaires Pectorales Byzantines en Bronze, Paris, 2006, item 146, 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
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Ovoid in profile with linear decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 805 grams, 13 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. 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. -
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Byzantine Gold Openwork Architectural Ring
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
Comprising a broad hoop with repoussé scrolled vine tendrils, beaded borders; pyramidal bezel with empty discoid cell flanked by granules and with a beaded wire rim. 4.48 grams, 32.81 mm overall, 17.87 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)
British private collection, before 1981. Acquired in 2003. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Biconical in profile with pointillé and linear decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 544 grams, 13 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. 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.
