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LOT 1082
Byzantine Inscribed Silver Ring
CIRCA 6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (7.53 grams, 27.13 mm overall, 21.06 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)).
A D-section hoop with slightly flared shoulders and trumpet-shaped discoid bezel; hatched bands to the shoulders, four lines of enigmatic Greek text [ΧΥΙ ΑΓΓ ΙΧXΙ] to the bezel. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceProperty of a private collector; acquired before 1975.
LiteratureCf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 480.
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 Bronze Ring with Spread Eagle
12th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Wide hoop with starburst motifs on the shoulders, discoid bezel with stylised eagle with open wings. 4.29 grams, 22.10 mm overall, 20.54 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Bronze Polycandelon Hanger Chain with Cross
5th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
Comprising a substantial link chain with a large cross composed of two rivetted plates. 372 grams, 87 cm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Bulbous body with short neck and biconvex filler-hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 454 grams, 10.4 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 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.
