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_900x900.jpg "Byzantine Gold Dagger Pommel Cap with Garnets")
_200x200.jpg "Byzantine Gold Dagger Pommel Cap with Garnets")
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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:
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Byzantine Engraved Stone Pendant Bead
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Opening Bid: £2,500
Piriform in profile and plano-convex in section with incised motif to each face: above - cross fourchee within a balustered arch; below - facing nimbate bust of Christ with book in one hand and fingers in the gesture of blessing, 'IC XC' legend flanking; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 6.45 grams, 27 mm
Acquired in London before 2000. From the collection of a Mayfair, London, UK, gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12805-240849. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Byzantine Bronze Stamp Seal
5th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
With knop handle and applied beaded wire collar, ellipsoid plaque with incuse image of two nimbate figures flanking a hatched panel and two bovines above; probably a Nativity scene with Mary and Joseph beside the manger in the stable with oxen. 5.1 grams, 16 mm
Acquired in 1993. Private collection, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. 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): £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.
