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LOT 1103
Byzantine Silver-Gilt Box Mount with Scroll Cross
CIRCA 10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (9.92 grams, 27 mm).
Square-shaped with low-relief motif of four hexagonal frames with scroll motif forming a cross; four attachment legs to the underside.
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market before 2000.
Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Bronze Pendant Cross
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Expanding-arm type with integral loop. 2.07 grams, 24 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Bronze Cross and Other Pendant Collection
6th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Including a leaf-shaped strap end, vesica-shaped pendant and other items. 24.12 grams total, 26-41 mm
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): £104
Piriform in profile with an undecorated body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 484 grams, 12.5 cm
From a specialist collection, London, UK, 1990-2000s. 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.
