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LOT 0752
Byzantine Bronze Trade Weight Collection
CIRCA 8TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
3/8 - 1 in. (69 grams total, 11-28 mm).
Mixed group of discoid weights with raised rim and impressed detailing. [5, No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s.
From a North London collection.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Bronze Openwork Bell
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Conical profile with thick suspension loop, circumferential ribs, five square slots above the mouth. 108 grams, 63 mm
Ex old English collection. London art market, pre 2000. Property of a London, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Piriform body with domed filler-hole, decorated with two circumferential bands of circlets; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 351 grams, 96 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. 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 Archer's Ring
Circa 12th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
With a substantial keeled hoop with four panels of zig-zag motifs; triangular plaque with foliage motifs, raised central panel with frond motif. 22.81 grams, 34.44 mm overall, 21.06 mm internal diameter (approximate size British W 1/2, USA 11 1/4, Europe 25.66, Japan 24)
Acquired on the German art market before 2000. Property of a Surrey, UK, collector.
