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LOT 0949
Byzantine Bronze Trade Weight Collection
CIRCA 6TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
3/8 - 3/4 in. (39 grams total, 9-19 mm).
Mixed group of discoid and oblate trade weights with low-relief detailing. [10, 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, for discussion.
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 '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. -
Byzantine Gold Filigree Pendant
6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Capsule pendant with domed ends and openwork filigree bands between, ribbed suspension tube, granule finials. 0.91 grams, 15 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. -
Large Byzantine Sgraffito Terracotta Bowl with Bird
Circa 8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
With low basal ring and inverted rim; to the inner surface's centre a possibly later incised image of a standing bird amid three radiating curved lines. 1.2 kg, 27 cm wide
Ex Atticart Ltd, London, SW5, UK. Acquired from Proto Cultures Art, Manchester, UK, circa 2011. From the private collection of Mr A Hills, Kent, UK.
