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LOT 1166
Byzantine Bronze Strap End with Beast Facing Back
CIRCA 8TH CENTURY A.D.
1 5/8 in. (7.6 grams, 41 mm).
Tongue-shaped plate with a slender animal facing back, possibly depicting a ferret, pellets on the background. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
LiteratureCf. for the type Schulze-Dörrlamm, M., Byzantinische Gürtelschnallen und Gürtelbeschläge im Römisch-Germanischen Zentralmuseum: Teil II Mainz, 2009 (Kataloge Vor- und Frühgeschichtlicher Altertümer, Band 30, 2), pp.149ss. and fig.339ff. Eastern Roman buckle type F5.
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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LOT 1166
Byzantine Bronze Strap End with Beast Facing Back
Estimate £40 - 60€46 - 70 (for guidance only)$54 - 81 (for guidance only)
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Large Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
Enkolpion cross pommée hinged at the base and closure with facetted suspension loop above; obverse with silver-inlaid cross and (abraded) monogram to each roundel; reverse with abraded Corpus Christi. 38.3 grams, 82 mm
From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
Bulbous body with pointed base and domed mouth, two circumferential bands on the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 378 grams, 10.3 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 Rock Crystal Stamp Seal in Silver Pendant with Military Saint on Horseback
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £640
With a tapering octagonal body, the military saint on horseback holding a long spear, the horse wearing a detailed harness; set in a conical silver frame with suspension loop and crenellated edge. 7.9 grams, 30 mm
From an old New Zealand private collection. Acquired on the New Zealand art market circa 2014. Property of a New Zealand legal professional. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12327-223721.
The motif of a saint on horseback was common in the Romano-Christian culture of the 6th-7th centuries. The figure of a saint symbolised protection of the local church or monastery and its community, and could also be related to the priest leader of the community, as their personal seal.
