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LOT 1123
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Saint and Crosses
CIRCA 11TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (10.34 grams, 25.59 mm overall, 17.88 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)).
With D-section hoop, ellipsoidal bezel, intaglio facing nimbate figure holding a cross in each hand, possibly depicting Saint John the Baptist. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceGerman collection before 2000.
Collection of Mr D.H. formed in UK, from the EU art market.
Ex property of a Surrey gentleman.
Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 525, for type.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Bone Ring with Dove
Circa 5th-6th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £111
Christian image of a dove resting modelled in the round on rectangular bezel, hoop and the dove's body both decorated with hatching. 9.08 grams, 40.97 mm overall, 19.28 x 18.50 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)
Family collection formed in the 1970s. Ex property of a London lady. Northern Ireland collection. -
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. -
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant
Circa 9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Enkolpion with hinge and large suspension loop; obverse with nimbate robed figure in orans pose with cross beneath each wrist, inscription 'IOANIC' ('John'); reverse with similar nimbate robed figure in orans pose with inscription 'MPXC' (Mary mother of Christ). 25.2 grams, 76 mm
Ex C.J. Martin, UK. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s. Accompanied by a handwritten ticket.
