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LOT 0159
Byzantine Gold Strap End with Facing Figure
CIRCA 9TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (7.40 grams, 39 mm).
The hollow-formed, tongue-shaped body adorned with a filigree border, repoussé figure with pellets on the torso and serpents framing the head.
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0159
Byzantine Gold Strap End with Facing Figure
Estimate £800 - 1,000€930 - 1,160 (for guidance only)$1,080 - 1,350 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine Silver and Bronze Rings with Chi Rho Symbols
8th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
One with incised lines and punched crescent; one with seriffed Chi Rho symbol. 7.32 grams total, 18-24 mm
From the collection of an EU gentleman formed in the 1990s. Acquired on the UK market. -
Byzantine Ceramic 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
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. 824 grams, 15.5 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 Ceramic 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Of piriform shape with a band of stamped roundels to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick and used as a hand grenade. 664 grams, 11.6 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.
