Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant

Enkolpion reliquary pendant with hinged body and substantial suspension loop; obverse with low-relief nimbate Christ with four busts surrounding; reverse with incised figural detail. 22.9 grams, 54 mm



Ex Den of Antiquity, Cambridge, UK. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s. Accompanied by a typed dealer's ticket.

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.

Comprising a D-section hoop with flat sides bearing wave-pattern ornament and legend 'MAPIAC / EYTPOΠIOY' (belonging to Mary and Eutropius); tiered bezel with incised key-pattern and undulating line to the edges; shoulders with palmette motif; discoid plaque with incuse wreath surrounding a bird with star above and lizard; with platinum inclusions. 23.66 grams, 31.00 mm overall, 19.87 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12970-246013.