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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 Gold Garnet Set Pendant
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
D-shaped cabochon garnet set in a gold cell with wire dangle beneath. 1.05 grams, 24 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. -
Byzantine Terracotta Oil Lamp with Chi Rho
5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £494
Piriform in plan with two small circular filling holes; rounded nozzle and basal ring with concentric rings; raised Christogram between the filling holes and raised ivy-leaf motifs. 173 grams, 14.7 cm
Marceaux Collection, France. Private collection Mr. D, France, before 2000. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Piriform body with domed filler-hole, band of tightly arranged teardrop motifs above a zig-zag line to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 432 grams, 10.8 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.
