Loading, please wait...
LOT 0803
Byzantine Gold Filigree Pendant
10TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
5/8 in. (1.74 grams, 15 mm).
The suspension loop with beaded border; finely granulated star pattern; raised rib highlighted with beads of gold to the centre; the lower body of the pendant decorated with filigree triangles, a trail of lines leading to a central gold boss, each segment with a small bead of gold. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired in the 1970s.
From an important London, UK, collection.
TimeLine 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 Cross Collection
10th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Including one miniature enkolpion with articulated suspension loop, four of various types with integral loop. 17.2 grams total, 29-37 mm
English collection, early 2000s. Ex central London gallery. -
Byzantine Gold Openwork Pendant
6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Of capsule form, openwork filigree and ropework body, domed terminals with apex granules, ribbed suspension loop. 0.87 grams, 14 mm
Acquired 1970-2010. Collection of a late Japanese gentleman. -
Byzantine Ceramic 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Of piriform shape, with raised inverted tear-shaped bulbs over the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 824 grams, 15.5 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. 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. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.
