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LOT 0210
Byzantine Gold Ring with IHS Monogram
CIRCA 11TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (6.56 grams, 22.65 mm overall, 19.46 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)).
With stepped shoulders ornamented with foliate detailing, discoid bezel with concentric rings and 'IHS' legend.
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.13417-259787.
Cf. Boardman, J. & Scarisbrick, D., The Ralph Harari Collection of Finger Rings, London, 1977, item 112, for type.
FootnotesThe ring bears the inscription IHS, a monogram representing the Holy Name of Jesus. This monogram derives from the combination of the three letters I (iota), H (eta), and S (sigma)—the first three letters of the Greek name for Jesus, ΙΗΣΟΥΣ. The inscription was likely added by a Latin between the 11th and 12th centuries to a ring forged in Byzantium, or the ring itself may be considered a product of the Latins of the East, the Crusaders of Outremer.
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 0210
Byzantine Gold Ring with IHS Monogram
Estimate £3,000 - 4,000€3,480 - 4,640 (for guidance only)$4,050 - 5,400 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£1,500 (EUR 1,740; USD 2,025) ‡+BP*
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Byzantine Electrum Architectural Ring with Flat Bed Garnet
Circa 6th-9th century A.D.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £900
The circular hoop composed of two carinated hoops, a finely decorated trumpet bezel set with a later flat-cut deep red garnet framed by a fine band of granules, and four oval beads enriched with granules supporting the bezel. 5.76 grams, 31.57 mm overall, 17.90 x 18.03 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
Ex collection of a professional lady, 1970-1990s. Accompanied by a previous catalogue information page with provenance. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13536-263217.
The architectural shape of the ring copies Eastern Roman prototypes, and it is possible that it was made in Western workshops of the Migration period, which tend to be more ornate, with greater use of twisted wire filigree and garnet. Eastern Gothic and Merovingian versions of the architectural ring have been found widely in central and Western Europe. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £70 - 90 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Bulbous body with rounded base and domed filler hole, incised concentric circumferential bands above the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 752 grams, 12.8 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. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £70 - 90 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Bulbous body with rounded base and domed filler hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 390 grams, 96 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.
