Byzantine Period Mosaic Glass Bangle

With scaphoid bezel, two low-relief standing nimbate figures with wings and floor-length robes. 3.40 grams, 21.90 mm overall, 18.23 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)



Private collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent.

Bulbous body with rounded base and domed filler hole, an impressed circumferential band above the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 419 grams, 10.7 cm



Ex important collection of weaponry, London, UK, 1980-1990s. 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.

Tongue-shaped plaque with incised female figure in orans gesture to one face, concentric ring pattern in three columns to the other face; attachment loop to the top. 3.87 grams, 25 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.