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_900x900.jpg "Byzantine Bronze Weight Collection")
_200x200.jpg "Byzantine Bronze Weight Collection")
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LOT 0211
Byzantine Bronze Weight Collection
5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
1/2 - 3/4 in. (326 grams total, 12-21 mm).
Mixed group of trade weights including cuboid, polyhedral and other types; one cuboid resembling a die with four faces bearing four spots and two faces bearing two spots. [14]
ProvenanceAcquired in the 1970s.
European private collection.
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 with Lead-alloy Filler-Hole
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Biconical body with longitudinal ribs, separate lead-alloy domed filler-hole with cover, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 1.06 kg, 21.5 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. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Byzantine Terracotta Pilgrim's Token Group
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Each plano-convex with low-relief image of Simon Stylites flanked by airborne angels. 10.7 grams total, 21-23 mm
Acquired European art market, 1980s. From the collection of an London antiquarian. -
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.
