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LOT 1294
Byzantine Bronze Tongue-Shaped Strap End
CIRCA 8TH CENTURY A.D.
1 5/8 in. (16.9 grams, 41 mm).
With recessed central panel, beaded edges, slot to short end; openwork scrolled foliage motif. [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 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): £59
bulbous in profile with domed filler hole, linear decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 338 grams, 10 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. -
Christian St Simeon Stylites the Younger with Vessels Terracotta Pilgrim's Token
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £176
Plano-convex in profile with a low-relief image of a nimbate figure flanked by worshippers, holding an orb and cross. 5.43 grams, 24 mm
Ex important Christian collection, 1970s.
