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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 Buckle and Openwork Plate
7th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Comprising integral plate and loop, with articulated flat tongue; openwork design of lobed crosses around a cinquefoil; rivet to each corner (two absent). 20.39 grams, 64 mm
Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Gilt Bronze Decorated Cross Applique
8th-10th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Each of the four lobes with an emerging foliate decoration flanking a central cross, attachment loops on the underside. 9.82 grams, 33 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Ovoid in profile with a domed filler hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 349 grams, 88 mm
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.
