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LOT 1096
Byzantine Silver-Gilt Inscribed Pectoral Cross Pendant
CIRCA 12TH-13TH CENTURY A.D.
1 5/8 in. (11.2 grams, 40 mm).
Cross pommee type with moulded detailing; obverse: Corpus Christi reserved on gilt field; reverse: legend with pointillé detailing 'KEBEHPωφPαΤω'. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a London, UK, private collection since the 1990s.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Bronze Ring with Dove
12th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
With slender hoop and baluster to each shoulder, ellipsoid bezel with incuse perching bird motif. 5.12 grams, 25.42 mm overall, 21.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U, USA 10, Europe 22.52, Japan 21)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Bronze Pendant Cross
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Expanding-arm type with integral loop. 2.82 grams, 32 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): £85
Ovoid in profile with a rounded base, impressed annulets above the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 760 grams, 11.9 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.
