Byzantine Gold Ring with Cabochon

Large domed centre with low-relief sun wheel design, pellets to the rim and suspension loop above. 28.6 grams, 75 mm



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.

In the late Byzantium period, round-shaped buckles and horse harness mounts were often decorated with beaded edges and with floral embossed ornaments, under the influence of the Ottoman Turks. They have the shape of a small shield and impressed decoration of a rose. Belt appliques have an extra boss for attachment, instead of a loop which is usually attached to the horse harness pendants.

Piriform body with impressed roundels to the equator, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 1.42 kg, 17 cm



From a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 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.

Hollow-formed, decorated with a central filigree band from which granulated triangles radiate, alternating with filigree circular motifs; piercing occluded. 2.12 grams, 12 mm



From the property of late Mr SM, London, UK, 1969-1999.