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LOT 1171
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant
CIRCA 10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/4 in. (22.2 grams, 57 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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LOT 1171
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant
Estimate £120 - 170€140 - 200 (for guidance only)$160 - 230 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£60 (EUR 70; USD 81) +BP*
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Bulbous body with pointed base and domed mouth, two circumferential bands above the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 403 grams, 10.5 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 Ring with Two-Line Inscription
6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £50 - 70 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Featuring a slender hoop and circular bezel inscribed with 'CAP / ΓOV'. 1.59 grams, 21.30 mm overall, 17.50 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Byzantine Gold Solidus in Gold Ring
6th century A.D.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,300
The coin showing a facing bust of a pearl-diademed emperor, cuirassed and holding a cross; set in a thick frame with a double rectangular-section hoop below; the solidus a cast or barbarised version. 21.14 grams, 24.51 mm overall, 17.47 x 16.14 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)
Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13338-257893.
The coin represents a frontal bust of Justinian I in helmet (kamelaukion) with plume, diadem with trefoil ornament on front, and cuirass decorated with four pellets. Globus cruciger in right hand, shield with horseman device on left shoulder. Inscription: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVC (Dominus Noster Justinianus Semper Augustus). Probably Mint of Rome 537-542.
