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LOT 0177
Byzantine Gold Ring with Sapphire
5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (8.66 grams, 33.78 mm overall, 16.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 13)).
Flat-section hoop displaying geometric pierced work between raised bands, fluted hemispherical bezel adorned with granules and set with possibly a later polished cabochon sapphire.
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.201084.
Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings: The Alice & Louis Koch Collection, Leeds, 1994, p.144, item 485, 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 Lead Pilgrim's Ampulla
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
Modelled as a two-handled amphora with decorative bands to the body. 25.3 grams, 54 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Decorated Bronze Weight
Circa 6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Square in plan and with chamfered edges, small bale; low-relief design of a voided cross flanked by curlicues above two voided gamma characters with points. 81.9 grams, 37 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Piriform body with domed filler-hole forming the centre of a flower with radiating petals; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 449 grams, 10.1 cm
From a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 1990s onwards. 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.
