Loading, please wait...
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Piriform body with domed filler-hole surrounded with impressed petals, band of ring-and-dot motifs to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 417 grams, 98 mm
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. -
Byzantine Terracotta Oil Lamp with Chi Rho
5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £494
Piriform in plan with two small circular filling holes; rounded nozzle and basal ring with concentric rings; raised Christogram between the filling holes and raised ivy-leaf motifs. 173 grams, 14.7 cm
Marceaux Collection, France. Private collection Mr. D, France, before 2000. -
Byzantine Bronze Figural Intaglio Gemstone
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Oval-shaped with intaglio motif of a standing robed figure facing left, inscription to the right. 0.70 grams, 14 mm
From an important collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva.
