Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant Plate

Enkolpion reliquary pendant panel with hinge knuckles; obverse with low-relief nimbate figure in orans pose flanked by busts. 7.72 grams, 50 mm



Acquired from Chris Martin-Zakheim, Iconastas, 5 Piccadilly Arcade, London SW1. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s.

Ovoid in profile with incised linear decoration to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 401 grams, 11 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.

Enkolpion with hinge and large suspension loop; obverse with nimbate robed figure in orans pose with cross beneath each wrist, inscription 'IOANIC' ('John'); reverse with similar nimbate robed figure in orans pose with inscription 'MPXC' (Mary mother of Christ). 25.2 grams, 76 mm



Ex C.J. Martin, UK. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s. Accompanied by a handwritten ticket.