Byzantine Bull-Head Attachment with Cross

A silver ring composed of a slender hoop decorated with raised chevrons, supporting a quatrefoil bezel displaying a Christian cross composed of shallow dimples, enclosed by a dimpled border tracing the four surrounding lobes. 3.56 grams, 21.53 mm overall, 18.09 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)



English collection formed in the 1990s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman.

A pair of non-identical gold hoop earrings, each composed of a large bulb, hinged hoop above adorned with three granulated cells set with glass (one insert absent); four circular cells to the equator set with stones of alternating blue and red colour, granulated lozenges between, pyramid bulbs below adorned with granule clusters, collar of suspension loops above; articulate hinges. 8.87 grams total, 42 mm each



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

A ceramic vessel with a piriform body and domed mouth on a stepped neck; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 642 grams, 12.7 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.