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LOT 1349
Byzantine Plaque with Armoured Bust
CIRCA 6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 in. (35.55 grams, 46.31 mm).
Rectangular die with facing bust surmounted by a cross, with feathers or scales to the chest, C-shaped and other impressions to obverse and reverse. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
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 Terracotta Slipper Oil Lamp with Cross
5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Piriform body with raised rim around the filler hole and tapering nozzle, low-relief linear slashes to the shoulder, and low basal ring. 32.3 grams, 79 mm
From a collection of lamps of a late Scottish gentleman, 1970-1990s. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Inscription
12th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Slender hoop with an oval hoop bearing a three-line Greek inscription. 3.58 grams, 21.36 mm overall, 17.77 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Bulbous, undecorated body with flat base; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 660 grams, 10.4 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 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.
