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LOT 1024
Byzantine Silver Intaglio with Inscription
CIRCA 6TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (2.01 grams, 13 mm).
Discoid-shaped with Greek inscription in four lines.
ProvenanceFrom an important collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva.
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 Set of Engraved Bronze Weights
Circa 6th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Comprising three discoid weights with recessed upper face, two with incised cross above and 'N B' flanking the central boss, one with 'N B' and pellets above and below. 26.19 grams total, 17-20 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Bird
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Slender hoop expanding to an oval bezel with hatched border, intaglio motif of a stylised water bird facing right. 2.00 grams, 19.48 mm overall, 16.73 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)
Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Piriform body with domed filler-hole, the upper body divided into segments with a central annulet; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 482 grams, 10.5 cm
From a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 1990s onwards. 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.
