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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 Gold Ring with Sapphire
5th-6th century A.D.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Flat-section hoop displaying geometric pierced work between raised bands, fluted hemispherical bezel adorned with granules and set with a polished cabochon sapphire. 8.66 grams, 33.78 mm overall, 16.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 13)
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.201084. -
Byzantine Period Bronze Weight Collection
8th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
Composed of weights of different types and sizes, including examples stamped with rosette motifs. 179 grams total, 16-24 mm
From the collection of H.N., Milton Keynes, 1980s-1990s. -
Byzantine Ceramic 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Of piriform shape, with raised inverted tear-shaped bulbs over the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 932 grams, 15.2 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.
