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LOT 0220
Byzantine Gold Ring with Red Gemstone
4TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
5/8 in. (3.79 grams, 17.74 mm overall, 14.14 mm internal diameter).
With slender hoop and ellipsoid bezel flanked at each shoulder by two granules, beaded wire collar, inset intaglio olive tree flanked by bullrushes.
ProvenancePrivate collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent.
LiteratureCf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 482, for type.
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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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Piriform body decorated from concentric circles, with domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 1.01 kg, 15 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. 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 Glazed Sgraffito-Ware Shipwreck Bowl
13th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
Shallow bowl with glazed upper face and basal ring, reserved geometric design of roundels and lozenges, with signs of sea encrustations. 504 grams, 22 cm
Private collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent. -
Byzantine Bronze Bread Stamp Seal
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
With sturdy loop to reverse, reserved text 'O / ITΛΠΥ / Υ'. 88 grams, 70 mm
Acquired in London in 2011. European private collection.
