Loading, please wait...
LOT 0987
Byzantine Bronze Trade Weight Collection
CIRCA 6TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
3/8 - 5/8 in. (32 grams total, 9-17 mm).
Mixed group of square trade weights with punched-point and impressed detailing. [11, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired since the 1970s.
From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
See Weber, K., Byzantinische Münzgewichte: Materialkorpus für 1-Nomisma-Gewichte, Schwelm, 2009.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Byzantine Glazed Sgraffito-Ware Shipwreck Bowl
12th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
With glazed upper face and basal ring; central reserved motif of a hare within concentric rings, with signs of sea encrustations. 544 grams, 22 cm
Private collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12046-211891. -
Byzantine Bronze Weight Collection
Circa 8th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Including discoid, tabular, cuboid and other types. 125 grams total, 11-25 mm
Ex Simmons gallery, London, UK. Ex North London collection, 1990s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Piriform body with domed filler-hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 567 grams, 11.5 cm
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. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.
