Loading, please wait...
LOT 0174
Byzantine Lead Plaque with Menorah Inscribed by Jakob the Scribe
5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
3 in. (94 grams, 74 mm).
Fish-shaped lead plaque with low-relief stamped panel, menorah and legend; impression from a wine amphora stamp, rectangular with a raised rim in the name of Jakob the Scribe: ΕΙΑ - ΚΟY / ΛΙΛ - ΕΒΑ (retrograde); seven-branched menorah between a shofar (right) and lulav (palm frond) and an etrog (yellow citron). [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a London antiquarian, formed since the 1980s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
For a bronze stamp from Sardis with the Menorah between a bunch of grapes and a palm branch, now in the British Museum under inventory no.1888, 0511. 3.; cf. similar stamp with similar design in Nomos AG Auction 20 (10th July 2020) lot 396.
FootnotesThe first word is the name Iacobus' (Jakob) and the second word (Λιλεβα) is likely derived from the Latin libellarius (scribe or notary), which was borrowed by Hebrew as ‘לבלר ’ (‘liblar’).The latter term is closer in meaning to the medieval ‘clerk’, than to the typical Hebrew word for scribe, ‘סופר’ (‘sofer’).
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0174
Byzantine Lead Plaque with Menorah Inscribed by Jakob the Scribe
Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,120
-
Byzantine Green Glazed Sgraffito Footed Bowl
13th century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
Carinated in profile with narrow flared base, green-glazed upper body; to the inner face a central roundel with zigzag fill and a zigzag band above the gallery, to the outer face horizontal zigzag band to the shoulder; old Christie's label with '144/2 5540'. 372 grams, 13 cm
Ex Charles Gillot (1853-1903). with Christie's Paris, 2008. European private collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Byzantine Bronze Patrix Group
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Comprising: a flat patrix of a hound with billets and zigzag detailing to the body curved foreleg, tail and hindleg; similar patrix of a feline with beaded collar and punched mane detailing, legs extended; mounted on a custom-made presentation stand. 410 grams total, 13.7 cm including stand
Ex London gallery, 1990s. with old labels to the reverse. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Patrices were used to create thin sheet-silver or gold appliqués which were used to decorate wooden items, ritual items, clothing, horse-harness and other items. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
A hollow piriform missile with domed filler-hole, body divided into five sections with deep grooves, impressed decoration, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 505 grams, 14.5 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'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
