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LOT 1358
Byzantine Bronze Seal Matrix with Bird
6TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (10.8 grams, 27 mm).
Conical matrix with loop and radiating petals, underside with a standing bird facing back.
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1358
Byzantine Bronze Seal Matrix with Bird
Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine Bronze Marriage Ring Depicting Two Facing Portraits
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
With a facetted hoop, a rectangular bezel, and opposed profile busts (male and female). 3.60 grams, 24.13 mm overall, 21.06 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Ovoid in profile with domed filler hole, linear decoration with a band of annulets below the neck; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 408 grams, 10.9 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. -
Early Byzantine Miniature Votive Axehead with Dolphin and Punched Inscription
4th-5th century A.D.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £600
Miniature axehead with model dolphin at the socket; pointillé legend to the blade '+ΛΙΟΝΑ'. 35 grams, 60 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK.
