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LOT 1135
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant
CIRCA 9TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/8 in. (22.9 grams, 54 mm).
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. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx 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.
Cf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 258, 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
AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
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. -
Judaic Bronze Ring with Menorah
Circa 3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £325
With D-section hoop supporting a discoid bezel with decoratively notched circumference; possibly later engraved with a menorah. 2.34 grams, 18.62 mm overall, 17.24 x 15.16 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)
North American collection, 1990s-2000s. Ex property of a Surrey gentleman. -
Byzantine Bronze Buckle Plate
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Tongue-shaped body with elaborate decoration, a cross at the upper end, punched pellet motifs on the raised areas. 13.1 grams, 43 mm
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