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LOT 0765
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Angel
CIRCA 6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (5.34 grams, 22.04 mm overall, 17.87 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)).
With a D-section hoop and expanding shoulders, the bezel with a facing nimbate angel with spread wings.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, UK, gentleman, circa 2000.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Bronze Segmented Strap
10th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Comprising five hinged sections, each with three central bosses with pelletted collars, further pellets to the field; possibly from a belt. 61.7 grams, 15 cm
UK private collection. Acquired from York Antiques Centre, in 2001. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Piriform body with domed filler-hole, decorated with two circumferential bands of circlets; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 351 grams, 96 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. 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 Terracotta Slipper Oil Lamp with Head of a Goddess
5th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
With a large sub circular filling hole and a narrow channel running towards the nozzle; stylised animal motifs and linear decoration to the body; the integral handle formed as the head of a goddess with rounded face and curly hair; low basal ring from which raised tendrils radiate. 79 grams, 11.6 cm
Acquired before 1990s/early 2000s. From the family collection of Jack Lyttle (1944-2023), Kilmacolm, Scotland; thence by descent to his granddaughter. Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman.