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LOT 1141
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant
CIRCA 10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
2 in. (12.26 grams, 49 mm).
Enkolpion with hinged loop, nimbate figure in orans pose to obverse, Corpus Christi with a small cross above the head to reverse.
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Silver Ring with Inscription
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Featuring a flat-section hoop and a lentoid bezel with an inscription. 0.90 grams, 15.46 mm overall, 14.01 mm internal diameter (approximate size British F 1/2, USA 3, Europe 4.3, Japan 4)
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): £65
Bulbous body with pointed base and domed mouth; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 598 grams, 12 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. -
Byzantine Bronze Strap End with Beast Facing Back
Circa 8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Tongue-shaped plate with a slender animal facing back, possibly depicting a ferret, pellets on the background. 7.6 grams, 41 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
