Loading, please wait...
LOT 0190
Byzantine Filigree Gold Cross Pendant with Bead Drops
CIRCA 6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
2 in. (3.68 grams, 50 mm).
Formed as a Maltese cross, each arm with twisted filigree frame and filigree coils, dangle to the outer end with pearl and other beads (pearls ancient but possibly not original), central stepped cell with beaded collar and inset garnet cabochon, loop with filigree detailing.
ProvenanceFrom a North American gentleman's collection, 1990s.
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.
LOT 0190
Byzantine Filigree Gold Cross Pendant with Bead Drops
Estimate £1,500 - 2,000€1,740 - 2,320 (for guidance only)$2,030 - 2,700 (for guidance only)
-
Byzantine Engraved Bone Spindle Whorl with Birds Below Canopy
Circa 8th-12th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £44
Barrel-shaped with incised ring-and-dot ornament forming an arcade. 7.78 grams, 17.78 mm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
Bulbous body with pointed base and domed mouth, two circumferential bands on the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 378 grams, 10.3 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s. 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 Rock Crystal Stamp Seal in Silver Pendant with Military Saint on Horseback
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £700
With a tapering octagonal body, the military saint on horseback holding a long spear, the horse wearing a detailed harness; set in a conical silver frame with suspension loop and crenellated edge. 7.9 grams, 30 mm
From an old New Zealand private collection. Acquired on the New Zealand art market circa 2014. Property of a New Zealand legal professional. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12327-223721.
The motif of a saint on horseback was common in the Romano-Christian culture of the 6th-7th centuries. The figure of a saint symbolised protection of the local church or monastery and its community, and could also be related to the priest leader of the community, as their personal seal.
