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LOT 1157
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Gryphon
6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (3.05 grams, 22.01 mm overall, 17.76 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)).
With a rectangular-section hoop and a raised rectangular bezel with a stylised gryphon. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a UK collection formed in the 1980s.
Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Silver-Gilt Cross Pendant
Circa 9th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £140
Bifacial cross with lobed finials, gilt Greek inscription on both sides, one side with 'KE BOHΘΗ' placed vertically and 'TON ΔOY[...]' horizontally; the other side with 'ΛON COY CTYΛY' placed vertically, and 'ANON' horizontally; the whole inscription reading: 'KγριΕ BOHΘH TON ΔOYΛON COY CTYΛYANON' = Lord helps your servant Stylianos. 4.52 grams, 34 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Bronze Strap End with Beast Facing Back
Circa 8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Tongue-shaped plate with a slender animal facing back, possibly depicting a ferret, pellets on the background. 7.6 grams, 41 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
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.
