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LOT 0928
Byzantine Copper Talisman Pendant with Saint George
CIRCA 6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/2 in. (9.55 grams, 62 mm).
Tongue-shaped pendant with integral loop, obverse with stylised figure of a horseman spearing a creature, lion below and text surrounding 'EIC ΘΕΟϹ Ο ΝΙΚΟΝΤΑ ', reverse with stylised angel and legend '[KONCTA]NTΙΝΟY'.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. for some of the represented symbols on medallions Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, items 577, 582, 585.
FootnotesThe amulet has a prophylactic element asking the divine protection of a military saint (probably Saint Sisinnius, or Saint George or Saint Theodore) with the inscription 'Winning for God'. The amulet seems to belong to a certain Konstantinos, probably a soldier.
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AUCTIONS:
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Silver 'L' Plate Brooch
Roman, 3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
In the form of the letter 'L' with scrolled wire within the angle and punched triangle detailing to the plate; pin-lug and catchplate to the reverse. 4.25 grams, 24 mm
Previously acquired on the London art market in the 1980s. Property of a Kent lady collector. -
Byzantine Terracotta Pilgrim Flask with a Saint
6th century A.D.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £750
Piriform in profile with two thick lug handles to the shoulder, obverse with low-relief facing figure holding a large cross and orb, reverse with facing figure with hand held up in the orans posture; with a display stand. 47.2 grams, 77 mm (71.4 grams total, 91 mm including stand)
Ex private collection, Mrs L.S., 1990s. Acquired from the above, 2001. Private European collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12110-218216. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Piriform body with gusset to the equator, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 431 grams, 10.6 cm
From a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 1990s onwards. 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.
