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LOT 1017
Byzantine Set of Engraved Bronze Weights
CIRCA 6TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
5/8 - 3/4 in. (26.19 grams total, 17-20 mm).
Comprising three discoid weights with recessed upper face, two with incised cross above and 'N B' flanking the central boss, one with 'N B' and pellets above and below. [3]
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Silver Ring with Epigraphy
6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £598
The shank with herringbone markings in imitation of braiding, trefoil shoulders, drum-shaped bezel with incised cruciform texts 'P+B' and 'ω+KX'. 9.71 grams, 24.51 mm overall, 18.56 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)
German art market. Acquired by the present owner from the above in 2003. -
Byzantine Gold Ring with Sapphire
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,972
Flat-section hoop displaying geometric pierced work between raised bands, fluted hemispherical bezel adorned with granules and set with possibly a later polished cabochon sapphire. 8.66 grams, 33.78 mm overall, 16.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 13)
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.201084. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Piriform body with domed filler-hole, band of rosettes within circles to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 260 grams, 92 mm
From a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 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'.
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.
