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LOT 0946
Byzantine Gold Staff Finial
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (5.09 grams, 31 mm).
Central conical tube with three hollow radiating bulbs, all with applied filigree and bands of granulation, replicating a flower bulb. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the H.N. collection, Milton Keynes, Berkshire, UK, 1990s.
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): £85
Piriform body with impressed ivy-leaf motifs below the shoulder, tiered shoulder, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 815 grams, 14.5 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. -
Byzantine Gold Rose Turreted Ring with Cross Gemstone
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,460
Slender hoop with low-relief scrolled tendrils to the shoulders; openwork cup bezel with inset garnet cabochon, incised cross fleury motif. 4.28 grams, 28.85 mm overall, 19.02 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)
From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman, 1980-1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12112-217763. -
Byzantine Copper Talisman Pendant with Saint George
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
Tongue-shaped pendant with integral loop, obverse with stylised figure of a horseman spearing a creature, lion below and text surrounding 'EIC ΘΕΟϹ Ο ΝΙΚΟΝΤΑ ', reverse with stylised angel and legend '[KONCTA]NTΙΝΟY'. 9.55 grams, 62 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
The amulet has a prophylactic element asking the divine protection of a military saint (probably Saint Sisinnius, or Saint George or Saint Theodore) with the inscription 'Winning for God'. The amulet seems to belong to a certain Konstantinos, probably a soldier.
