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LOT 1180
Byzantine Silver-Gilt Cross Pendant
CIRCA 9TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 in. (4.52 grams, 34 mm).
Bifacial cross with lobed finials, gilt Greek inscription on both sides, one side with 'KE BOHΘΗ' placed vertically and 'TON ΔOY[...]' horizontally; the other side with 'ΛON COY CTYΛY' placed vertically, and 'ANON' horizontally; the whole inscription reading: 'KγριΕ BOHΘH TON ΔOYΛON COY CTYΛYANON' = Lord helps your servant Stylianos.
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, items 534-542, for type.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1180
Byzantine Silver-Gilt Cross Pendant
Estimate £120 - 170€140 - 200 (for guidance only)$160 - 230 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£60 (EUR 70; USD 81) +BP*
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Eastern Roman Bronze Horse Harness Pendant
Circa 15th century A.D.Estimate: £20 - 30 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
Comprising a slightly domed disc with raised border and triangular flange to the lower edge; suspension loop above and remains of slider bar to reverse; incuse foliage design. 10.4 grams, 45 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Bulbous body with pointed base and domed mouth, two circumferential bands above the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 403 grams, 10.5 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 Silver Ring with Monogram
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Bids: 2 | Current Bid: £11
Comprising a round-section hoop with an applied discoid bezel bearing a monogram. 2.39 grams, 21.45 mm overall, 17.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
