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LOT 1131
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Cross
6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (3.65 grams, 22.69 mm overall, 20.44 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U, USA 10, Europe 22.52, Japan 21)).
Hoop expanding towards the shoulders, oval bezel with a cross on a triangular base. [No Reserve]
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 Bronze Ring with Nativity Scene
Circa 14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Comprising a thick rectangular-section hoop and two overlapping discoid bezels, the upper one with a depiction of the Nativity. 6.74 grams, 23.33 mm overall, 1.85 x 13.82 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Byzantine Terracotta Discoid Oil Lamp
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Circular lamp with raised flange on the rim, short conical neck and a low basal ring. 181 grams, 95 mm
From an important collection of lamps, Germany, 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.
