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LOT 1061
Byzantine Silver Stamp Seal with Bird
6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (11.7 grams, 24 mm).
Conical body with integral loop above, underside with a standing bird with hooked beak, pelletted field.
ProvenancePrivate collection, UK.
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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LOT 1061
Byzantine Silver Stamp Seal with Bird
Estimate £120 - 170€140 - 200 (for guidance only)$160 - 230 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant Plate
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
One panel from an enkolpion with hinge knuckle above; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 123 grams total, 10.5 cm including stand
Previously with an ADA member's London gallery. Ex Important North London gentleman's private collection, 1980-1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a Coincraft certificate of authenticity. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Ovoid in profile with domed filler hole, linear decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 269 grams, 85 mm
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'.
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. -
Byzantine Rock Crystal Stamp Seal in Silver Pendant with Military Saint on Horseback
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £1,600 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £800
With a tapering octagonal body, the military saint on horseback holding a long spear, the horse wearing a detailed harness; set in a conical silver frame with suspension loop and crenellated edge. 7.9 grams, 30 mm
From an old New Zealand private collection. Acquired on the New Zealand art market circa 2014. Property of a New Zealand legal professional. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12327-223721.
The motif of a saint on horseback was common in the Romano-Christian culture of the 6th-7th centuries. The figure of a saint symbolised protection of the local church or monastery and its community, and could also be related to the priest leader of the community, as their personal seal.
