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LOT 0754
Byzantine Lead Pilgrim's Holy Water Ampulla
CIRCA 8TH-13TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/8 in. (21.2 grams, 55 mm).
Conical with tubular neck and two thin lateral handles. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.
Property of a Stowmarket, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Piriform body with domed filler-hole, decorated with two circumferential bands of circlets; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 351 grams, 96 mm
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. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Byzantine Bronze Signet Ring with Niello Cross
Circa 14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
With a D-section hoop, keeled shoulders supporting a lentoid bezel; the bezel with a niello border and a radiating cross motif. 5.04 grams, 22.85 mm overall, 17.65 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman. -
Byzantine Decorated Glass Bracelet
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
In black glass with intricate decorative design in contrasting colour comprising eye motifs, palmettes and pellet designs. 33.3 grams, 84 mm wide
Collected from 1969-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.