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LOT 0770
Byzantine Lead Pilgrim's Holy Water Ampulla
CIRCA 8TH-13TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/4 in. (18.4 grams, 57 mm).
Conical with thick finial, short tubular neck and two thin lateral loop 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 Gold Ring with Cross
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,560
Composed of a slender rectangular-section hoop and cruciform bezel with expanding round-section arms, central dome and granule to each quarter; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 2.72 grams, 21.96 mm overall, 14.23 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G, USA 3 1/4, Europe 4.92, Japan 4)
Private European collection since the 1950s. Private collection, UK, 2010. -
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Byzantine Silver-Gilt Ring with Saint
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £190
With round-section hoop and integral discoid plaque, tondo with intaglio of a robed nimbate figure with one arm raised facing a similar figure, all between fronds. 3.13 grams, 24.45 mm overall, 20.03 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)
Ex M.N. London collection, 2000s. -
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.
