Loading, please wait...
LOT 1312
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Jesus Riding a Donkey
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (1.92 grams, 21.99 mm overall, 19.65 x 19.26 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)).
Comprising a slender hoop with an oval bezel featuring an image of Jesus riding on a donkey before a robed man. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom an English private collection, 1980s.
Property of a London, UK, antiquarian.
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Byzantine Silver Ring with Bust
12th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Featuring a D-section hoop with a palm frond on both shoulders, oval bezel with a piecrust edge and pelletted border, central profile bust of a robed and bearded man flanked by palm fronds. 7.45 grams, 22.59 mm overall, 18.57 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Ovoid in profile with a domed filler hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 349 grams, 88 mm
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. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Bird
12th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
D-section hoop with raised circular bezel showing a stylised walking bird with four stars on the field. 6.20 grams, 25.12 mm overall, 17.93 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
