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LOT 0934
Byzantine Silver Reliquary Cross Pendant
14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (5.15 grams, 30 mm).
Composed of two pieces secured together by a rivet, incised cross motif to both faces. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Bronze Ring with Letter Cross
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Comprising a flat-section hoop and discoid bezel with a cruciform inscription containing the words ΦωC ('light') vertically and ZωH ('Life') horizontally, laurel wreath surrounding. 3.32 grams, 22.10 mm overall, 19.62 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The inscription refers to Jesus Christ being the light, and the life. -
Byzantine Bronze Bow Brooch with Cross
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
With deep bow flanked by two pairs of lateral disc-headed studs, cruciform foot returning to form the catch and with loop around the shank, spring and pin to reverse. 17 grams, 53 mm
Ex important German collection of brooches, 1980s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Piriform in profile with narrow point and domed mouth; rosettes separated by vertical lines to the upper body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 417 grams, 11 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 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'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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.
