Loading, please wait...
LOT 1061
Byzantine Gold Dagger Pommel Cap with Garnets
CIRCA 8TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (2.13 grams, 22 mm).
Sheet gold dome with braided filigree band to the rim, three vertical bands and three cells each set with a garnet cabochon, collar to the apex. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a continental collection prior to 2000.
Acquired on the UK art market in 2010.
Ex property of a UK gentleman.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. applique in similar style of the Eastern Roman dagger from Malaja Perescepina, in Werner, J., Der Grabfund von Malaja Perescepina und Kuvrat, Kagan der Bulgaren, Munchen, 1984, pl.12, nos.4, 21, 24.
FootnotesEastern Roman daggers of 7th-8th centuries typically displayed gold ornaments embellished with garnets and filigree, visible on the specimens gifted by the Empire to foreign rulers, such as the famous Bulgarian leader Kuvrat.
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 1061
Byzantine Gold Dagger Pommel Cap with Garnets
Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
-
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Piriform in profile with domed mouth; four raised lugs to the body with incised hatching in between; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 571 grams, 14.4 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.
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. -
Eastern Byzantine Silver Inscribed Ring
13th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Comprising a broad hoop and panel to each shoulder with trumpet-shaped spur and incised asterisk motif; discoid bezel with retrograde legend 'ΘΕΑΙ[..]' and hatched field. 10.56 grams, 25.38 mm overall, 18.27 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a 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 Gold Pendant with Glass Centre
6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £494
Discoid plaque with radiating granule clusters to the rim, central cell with inset iridescent glass cabochon, suspension loop above and five more below to attach dangles. 10.57 grams, 46 mm
Ex private European collection, 1980s. Private collection, Switzerland, acquired in 1999. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.