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LOT 1119
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Nativity Scene
CIRCA 14TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (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)).
Comprising a thick rectangular-section hoop and two overlapping discoid bezels, the upper one with a depiction of the Nativity. [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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Byzantine Terracotta Oil Lamp with Stub Handle
Circa 7th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Small lamp with linear decoration on the shoulder, tapering handle to the rear and low basal ring. 73 grams, 84 mm
From the collection of a Cambridge, UK, gentleman, by direct descent from his father, who acquired the items in London in circa 1960. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Piriform body with pointed base and domed mouth, stamped linear decoration on the upper body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 505 grams, 11.9 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. -
Byzantine Ring with Bust of a Saint
12th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £164
Wide hoop with a raised boss at the base, an oval bezel with a facing bust of a nimbate saint flanked by two crosses. 5.73 grams, 23.63 mm overall, 19.84 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
