Loading, please wait...
LOT 0743
Byzantine Terracotta Slipper Oil Lamp
5TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
3 7/8 in. (98 grams, 98 mm).
With a large tongue-shaped filling hole, a wide channel with raised edges running towards the nozzle, the sides with raised palm leaf decoration; the body of the lamp decorated with raised hatched panels and linear decoration; repaired. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired before 1990s/early 2000s.
From the family collection of Jack Lyttle (1944-2023), Kilmacolm, Scotland; thence by descent to his granddaughter.
Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman.
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Byzantine Bronze Trade Weight Collection
Circa 8th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Mixed group of barrel-shaped, biconvex and other trade weights, some with punched markings. 244 grams total, 18-25 mm
Ex Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s. From a North London collection. -
Byzantine Silver Ring with Saint
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
With square plaque, incuse Daniel in orans pose flanked by two lions. 4.41 grams, 22.27 mm overall, 18.61 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
From a UK private collection, before 1980. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Piriform body with domed filler-hole, decorated with floral pattern on the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 145 grams, 77 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family 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. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.
