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LOT 0172
Byzantine Gold Marriage Ring
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (3.76 grams, 20.90 mm overall, 18.29 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)).
Comprising a slender round-section hoop with an applied discoid bezel, two facing busts flanking a cross and an inscription below. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a UK collection since before 1990.
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 Seal Matrix with Inscription
Circa 11th-12th century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £80
With inscription '+ΘKEB / OΘTO / ΔΟΛΟ / ΤΘΛΑ' for 'ΘΕΟΤΟΚΕ ΒΟΗΘΕI ΤΩ ΔΟΥΛΩ ΤΟΥ ΘΕΟΥ ΛΑΔΕ' (Mother of God, help Lades, the servant of God). 13.1 grams, 18 mm
From an important collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva. 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.
The stamp seals that have survived in large numbers from Byzantium are objects a few centimeters high and conical in shape, featuring a sealing surface at the lower end and a pendant at the upper end. They served the same function as signet rings and were used to seal everyday objects, primarily in private areas, using wax and other soft materials. -
Byzantine Gold Ring with Head of Christ Gemstone
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £4,500 - 6,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,250
Round-section hoop with granules to the shoulders, discoid bezel with inset lapis lazuli circle enclosing a later amethyst gemstone with facing bust of Christ Pantocrator. 10.36 grams, 25.80 mm overall, 20.26 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S, USA 9, Europe 19, Japan 18).
Ex collection of a London lady, 1980s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12968-246371. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Piriform in profile with domed mouth, raised bands dividing the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 606 grams, 12.7 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'.
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.
