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LOT 1135
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Cross and Inscription
6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (2.26 grams, 22.83 mm overall, 19.49 x 17.19 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)).
Comprising a faceted hoop and disc bezel with incised cross and legend 'ΓI [.]HNA'. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
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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Large Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant with Christ
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
With hinged suspension loop; obverse with nimbate robed figure in orans pose with cross between sun and moon above the head; reverse with nimbate robed figure in orans pose with inscription 'AHUO'. 110 grams, 95 mm
From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s. -
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £140
Enkolpion with hinged loop, nimbate figure in orans pose to obverse, Corpus Christi with a small cross above the head to reverse. 22.2 grams, 57 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Bulbous body with a domed mouth, a circumferential band on the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 374 grams, 11 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.
