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LOT 0199
Byzantine Gold Ring with Greek Inscription in Niello
CIRCA 6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (7.64 grams, 23.02 mm overall, 18.99 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)).
With discoid bezel, nielloed running wave border enclosing an equal-arm cross and legend 'EΛΙCCEOY'.
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.13423-259839.
Cf. Baldini Lippolis, I., L'Oreficeria nell'Impero di Costantinopoli tra IV e VII secolo (the Jewellery in the Empire of Constantinople between IV and VII century, in Italian), Bari, 1999, pp.199ff., for the type, especially nos.15-20.
FootnotesThe ring belongs to the category of Eastern Roman rings with an applied bezel, a type particularly common between the 6th and 8th centuries A.D. The inscription recites 'EΛΙCCEOY’ (belonging to Elisseus).
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0199
Byzantine Gold Ring with Greek Inscription in Niello
Estimate £4,000 - 6,000€4,640 - 6,960 (for guidance only)$5,400 - 8,100 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£2,000 (EUR 2,320; USD 2,700) ‡+BP*
-
Byzantine Gilt Bronze Ring with Christ
Circa 7th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
With flat discoid bezel, facing bust with long textured beard and robes; flanking motifs. 2.37 grams, 22.47 mm overall, 20.68 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U, USA 10, Europe 22.52, Japan 21)
Private collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent. -
Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant
8th-10th century AD.Estimate: £60 - 80 (+bp*)
Bids: 2 | Current Bid: £15
Featuring teardrop-shaped arms with pellets and an integral suspension loop. 3.9 grams, 43 mm
Acquired on UK art market in the 1990s. Property of a Middlesex gentleman. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £70 - 90 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
Biconical body with rounded base and domed filler hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 502 grams, 97 mm
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.
