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LOT 0788
Byzantine Gold Turret Ring
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 in. (2.05 grams, 34.61 mm overall, 22.30 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V 1/2, USA 10 3/4, Europe 24.4, Japan 23)).
A gold finger ring with tall columnar ribbed bezel, inset garnet cabochon from a re-used bead; hoop split.
ProvenanceAcquired 1970-2010.
Collection of a late Japanese gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Black Glass Necklace with Cross
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
A restrung necklace composed of small black glass and stone beads of a variety of types, together with a central cross pendant with ring and dot motifs representing the Five Wounds of Christ. 7.68 grams, 46 cm long
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
A ceramic vessel with a piriform body and domed mouth on a stepped neck; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 642 grams, 12.7 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family 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 Horse Lock Plate
7th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
A lock plate formed as a stylised horse standing right, with geometric detailing to the head, body and legs. 29.5 grams, 53 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired 1970-2010. Collection of a late Japanese gentleman.