Loading, please wait...
LOT 0158
Byzantine Gold Star Ring
CIRCA 13TH-14TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (1.76 grams, 23.61 mm overall, 20.80 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.63, Japan 19)).
Composed of a slender carinated hoop adorned with filigree supporting a hollow-formed star-shaped bezel set with central polished cabochon garnet and granules, each of six arms pierced, remaining granule to one shoulder.
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
TimeLine 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.
LOT 0158
Byzantine Gold Star Ring
Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)
-
Byzantine Ceramic 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Of piriform shape, with raised inverted tear-shaped bulbs over the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 931 grams, 16.1 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private 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. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Byzantine Bronze Pectoral Cross Pendant
6th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
A flat-section expanding-arm cross pendant with integral loop; incised cross flory to the centre with a band of herringbone ornament to the end of each arm. 6.08 grams, 39 mm
From a UK collection, formed 1970s. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. -
Byzantine Bronze Bread Stamp Group
6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £67
Comprising: one sub-rectangular in form with Greek capital letters (Mi, Iota, Iota, Tau and Tau, Iota, Eta) in raised relief, suspension lug to reverse; a leaf-shaped stamp with lugs to the perimeter and three raised letters to the centre, suspension lug to reverse. 40.8 grams total, 38 mm each
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
The larger bronze stamps are generally known in the relevant literature as bread stamps. These were used on the bread consecrated during the Holy Liturgy and then given to the believers as the Body of Christ during the Holy Communion, as well as to the bread which was given as a present at the end of the Liturgy, as 'Blessed bread' or Antidoron. Similar seals are still used today in the Orthodox Church.
