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LOT 0270
Byzantine Silver-Gilt Archer's Thumb Ring
14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
1 5/8 in. (25.68 grams, 42.70 mm overall, 21.06 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X 1/2, USA 11 3/4, Europe 26.92, Japan 25)).
With D-section hoop and triangular extension decorated with incised hatching; parcel-gilt silver with three discoid plates to the shank.
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Silver-Gilt Archer's Thumb Ring
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
With D-section hoop and triangular extension decorated with incised hatching; parcel-gilt silver with three discoid plates to the shank. 25.68 grams, 42.70 mm overall, 21.06 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X 1/2, USA 11 3/4, Europe 26.92, Japan 25)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
North-West Persian Bronze Short Sword with Integral Grip and Horns
Circa 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
With curved 'horns' projecting on either side at the top of waisted grip, blade with flat mid-rib. 242 grams, 41.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The Luristani people produced a quantity of fine metalwork, which according to Dr Khorasani, could be due to a settled period which arose as a result of the defeat of the Elamites by the Babylonians, leaving the Luristani people in relative peace for a period of time after 1200 B.C. According to Khorasani, 'A culture of innovation and experimentation flourished, and the repertoire of the Luristan smiths expanded in the period between 1150-1050 BC.' -
Turco-Mongol 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Piriform body with thick ribs to the shoulder and impressed knotwork panels between, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 610 grams, 17.2 cm
From the H.N. collection, Milton Keynes, Berkshire, UK, 1990s.
The shape corresponds with a fire grenade in the Kars Museum, no.14.09.2009. 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.
