Byzantine Silver-Gilt Cross Pendant

With separate hinge and suspension loop; obverse with nimbate robed figure in a tondo with legend 'ΓΕΟΡΓ[Η]' (St George); reverse with robed and nimbate figure in orans pose with 'ICX' beneath each wrist, smaller nimbate figure before, legend 'MHP ΘV' (Mother of God). 82 grams, 10.8 cm



From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s.

Each a spherical cage with ropework texturing, a granule at each node; oval glass bead within. 13.8 grams, 22 mm each



Acquired on the Swiss art market, 1998. Private collection, Europe.

The openwork beads were prepared to be inserted in an earring of ‘Grapevine’ typology, III type of earring in the Niederle classification. Similar specimens, imported from Byzantium, were found in Tokaj (Hungary) and dated to the time of the Emperor Romanus Lekapenos (920-944 A.D.).

Piriform body with pointed base and domed mouth, stamped linear decoration on the upper body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 505 grams, 11.9 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.