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LOT 0800
Byzantine Period Bronze Weight Collection
8TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
1/2 - 1 in. (179 grams total, 16-24 mm).
Composed of weights of different types and sizes, including examples stamped with rosette motifs. [5, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of H.N., Milton Keynes, 1980s-1990s.
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 Gold Coin Bead Necklace
Coin dated 610-641 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £293
Composed of irregular coral and glass beads, featuring a gold Solidus coin pendant of Emperor Heraclius; modern screw clasp. 29.17 grams, 38 cm long
From an important North London collection formed before 1980. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Bird and Greek Inscription
Circa 12th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Composed of a slender hoop expanding to facetted shoulders, octagonal bezel engraved with a bird standing left at centre, Greek or pseudo Greek text in the surrounding field. 10.13 grams, 24.76 mm overall, 21.83 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X, USA 11 1/2, Europe 26.29, Japan 25)
UK private collection formed before 2000. Ex North London, UK, gallery. -
Byzantine Ceramic 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Of piriform shape, with raised inverted tear-shaped bulbs over the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 824 grams, 15.5 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private 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.