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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 Green Glazed Sgraffito-Ware Bowl
12th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
With inturned rim and three-colour (yellow, brown and green) glaze, incised foliage design. 343 grams, 18 cm
with Cuvreau Expertise Encheres S.A.S, Vente No.60, 21 June 2009, no.149. European private collection. -
Byzantine Decorated Glass Bracelet
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
In black glass with intricate decorative design in contrasting colour comprising eye motifs, palmettes and pellet designs. 33.3 grams, 84 mm wide
Collected from 1969-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade with Lead-alloy Filler-Hole
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Biconical body with longitudinal ribs, separate lead-alloy domed filler-hole with cover, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 1.06 kg, 21.5 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.
