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LOT 0816
Byzantine Silver Ring with Pierced Cross
12TH-14TH CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
7/8 in. (8.44 grams, 22.34 mm overall, 17.97 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)).
Broad flat-section hoop and discoid bezel with notched edge, cross pommee void to the centre and to each shoulder.
ProvenanceAcquired on the London art market, 1980s-1990s.
LiteratureCf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, 583, for type.
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 Trade Weight
Circa 6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Of square form displaying the Greek letters ΓΓ either side of a Christian cross at the centre. 79 grams, 37 mm
From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK. -
Byzantine Ceramic 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Of piriform shape, decorated with stamped sunburst and pellet-in-triangle motifs; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 522 grams, 12.1 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. 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. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Byzantine Gold Openwork Pendant
6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Of capsule form, openwork filigree and ropework body, domed terminals with apex granules, ribbed suspension loop. 0.87 grams, 14 mm
Acquired 1970-2010. Collection of a late Japanese gentleman.
