Byzantine Gold Garnet Set Pendant

Piriform body decorated with concentric circles alternated to round patterns, with domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 545 grams, 12.5 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family 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. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.

With facetted hoop and conical architectural bezel with applied filigree decoration, set with an emerald with engraved dove flying left. 7.55 grams, 37.12 mm overall, 20.74 mm internal diameter (approximate size British W, USA 11, Europe 25, Japan 24)



Ex Michael O'hara collection, before 1989. From the private collection of the late A.B., London, UK. 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 a search certificate number no.12004-213033.

The quality of this finger ring suggests that it was the work of an excellent goldsmith who may have worked for the court in Constantinople or an important provincial imperial capital, like Ravenna or Carthage.

With glazed upper face and basal ring, incised geometric motif of a cross crosslet with interstitial radiating spurs, with signs of sea encrustations. 562 grams, 22 cm



Private collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent.