Loading, please wait...
LOT 0987
Byzantine Gilt Bronze Mount with Inscription
8TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (6.38 grams, 31 mm).
Shoe-shaped belt plaque with incised lambda on the disc, D-shaped head with pierced lugs to reverse and incised circle containing 'Φ /ΖωΗ/C'. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The strap end bears a reference to the words of Jesus: John, 8:12 and 14.6 (I am the light of the world…I am the way and the truth and the life). It is highly possible that the belt was that of an important ecclesiastic Eastern Roman prelate.
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.
-
Byzantine Bronze Epigraphic Seals
6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £44
Comprising: one with radiating legend 'ΛΩΕ' in pointillé technique; one with incised cross and legend 'ΨΟΦΡ' on the finials. 4.98 grams total, 13-14 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant Group
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Comprising two cross pommée pendants, one with ring-and-dot motifs and the other with pointillé decoration. 8.54 grams total, 34-39 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
A piriform missile with domed filler-hole, raised lugs and impressed annulets to the body, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 518 grams, 11.5 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 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'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. Arendt, W. I., Granaten des 13-14. Jahrhunderts, die an der Wolga gefunden sind, Zeitschrift fur Historische Waffen-und Kostumkunde, 11 (1926-8), p.42; cf. Arendt, W., Die Spharisch-konischen Gefäße aus Gebranntem Ton, ibid; cf. Ayalon, D., Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p.16. 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.
