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LOT 0191
Byzantine Gold Openwork Earring Pair
6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (5.75 grams total, 28-29 mm).
Each a crescent plaque with beaded borders, sprung hook and catch; openwork foliage motif with two opposing birds. [2]
ProvenancePrivate collection, 1990s-early 2000s.
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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LOT 0191
Byzantine Gold Openwork Earring Pair
Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine Gold Cross Pendant with Bosses
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £500
Formed of five hemispherical bosses, likely representing the five wounds of Christ, with a small raised boss at each junction; applied suspension loop. 3.41 grams, 35 mm
UK private collection before 2000. London collection, acquired on the UK art market. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Bulbous body with pointed base and domed mouth; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 598 grams, 12 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s. 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. -
Byzantine Ring with Bust of a Saint
12th-14th century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £70
Wide hoop with a raised boss at the base, an oval bezel with a facing bust of a nimbate saint flanked by two crosses. 5.73 grams, 23.63 mm overall, 19.84 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
