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LOT 1081
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Dove
6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (2.36 grams, 21.91 mm overall, 19.40 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)).
Slender hoop expanding to a heart-shaped bezel with a stylised dove facing right. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx P Chapman collection, 1980s-1990s.
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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Byzantine Silver Cross Pendant with Enamel
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Slender arms radiating from a central disc with beaded rim, enamel cloisons. 1.92 grams, 27 mm
Ex Den of Antiquity, Cambridge, UK. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s. Accompanied by a typed dealer's ticket. -
Byzantine Gold Marriage Ring
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Comprising a slender round-section hoop with an applied discoid bezel, two facing busts flanking a cross and an inscription below. 3.76 grams, 20.90 mm overall, 18.29 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
From a UK collection since before 1990. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Piriform in profile with domed mouth, impressed vertical line decoration on the upper body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 725 grams, 15.5 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. 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.
