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LOT 0784
Byzantine Trade Weight Collection
CIRCA 10TH-14TH CENTURY A.D.
3/8 - 1 1/4 in. (92 grams total, 10-31 mm).
A mixed group of bronze trade weights of various shapes and sizes, including examples bearing letters or cruciform designs. [13, No Reserve]
ProvenanceGerman art market, 1990s.
Mr A.H., a North American collector living in the UK.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Gold in Glass Roundel with Cross
4th-5th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £650
A glass roundel with rounded lower edge and dished centre, containing a gold leaf cross at centre surrounded by a stylised wreath. 22.7 grams, 41 mm wide
French collection, 1960s-early 2000s. From an important Paris gallery, France. -
Byzantine Gilt Strap Distributor
4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
A gilt strap distributor with crescentic motif adorned with foliage in relief, pierced foliate panel to centre. 20.4 grams, 31 mm
UK private collection before 2000. UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
A squat ceramic vessel with a piriform body and domed mouth, band of impressed discs to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 480 grams, 96 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. 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.
