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LOT 0212
Byzantine Gold Ring with Carnelian Gemstone of Christian Warrior Holding Cross
CIRCA 7TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (4.97 grams, 23.37 mm overall, 18.45 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)).
Cup-shaped bezel with inset gemstone, incuse profile robed figure holding cross and rod (or shield).
ProvenancePrivate collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13418-259791.
Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 481, for an earlier example of the type.
FootnotesThe figure may be Christ bearing the cross to Calvary, or perhaps a soldier with a spear and sword. The second possibility is more likely, as the ring could represent a Christian warrior, defender of the faith. The image is reflected in the image of Christ the Warrior carrying the cross and the gospel in the Episcopal Palace of Ravenna.
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 0212
Byzantine Gold Ring with Carnelian Gemstone of Christian Warrior Holding Cross
Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£1,000 (EUR 1,160; USD 1,350) ‡+BP*
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Byzantine Stone Cross Pendant
Circa 7th-10th century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
Cruciform type with incised ribbing to each arm, central square panel with incised saltire, knop finial above, transverse piercing in upper arm. 2.83 grams, 28 mm
Private collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent. -
Byzantine Green Glazed Sgraffito Footed Bowl
13th-14th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Bids: 2 | Current Bid: £10
Shallow type with dished body and ring to underside; rounded rim and incised border, four sgraffito crescent motifs with undulating line above each. 301 grams, 16 cm wide
From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £70 - 90 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
Bulbous body with rounded base and domed filler hole, impressed circumferential bands on the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 919 grams, 13 cm
Ex important collection of weaponry, London, UK, 1980-1990s. 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.
