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LOT 1309
Byzantine Silver Bearded 'Hidden Face' Belt Mount
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
1 5/8 in. (34.18 grams, 40 mm).
Of Martinkova type with lobed outer edge, scooped sides and notched band at the inner edge; openwork circle and crescent motifs. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market before 2000.
Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Early Byzantine Miniature Votive Axehead with Dolphin and Punched Inscription
4th-5th century A.D.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £600
Miniature axehead with model dolphin at the socket; pointillé legend to the blade '+ΛΙΟΝΑ'. 35 grams, 60 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
bulbous in profile with domed filler hole, linear decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 338 grams, 10 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. -
Byzantine Terracotta Slipper Oil Lamp
5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Piriform body with raised rim around the filler hole and rounded nozzle, raised frond decoration to the shoulder, and a basal ring. 46.6 grams, 76 mm
From a collection of lamps of a late Scottish gentleman, 1970-1990s.
