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LOT 1097
Eastern Roman Bronze Amulet with Saint Spearing the Dragon
CIRCA 14TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/4 in. (8.77 grams, 56 mm).
Oval pendant with integral suspension loop, one side with armoured Saint Theodore or Saint George on horseback slaying the dragon with a barbed spear, a lion beneath and a Greek inscription on the upper edge 'EICΘEOCONIKѠNTAKAK = εἷς θεός ὁ νικῶν τά κακ(ά)' = the one god who defeats evil; the reverse with four animals (two lions, a snake, an ibis and a scorpion) reaching towards an altar or a boat, a Greek inscription above 'ПІΝѠCAΒAѠΘΜIΧAΗΛ' = I drink, The God of the hosts, Michael. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
LiteratureCf. similar images in Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, items 582,626; for an earlier similar amulet Michel, S., Die Magischen Gemmen in Britischen Museum, London, 2001, no.453.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1097
Eastern Roman Bronze Amulet with Saint Spearing the Dragon
Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Bulbous body with pointed base and domed mouth; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 598 grams, 12 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s. 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. -
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18th-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £187
With a D-section hoop and a large oval bezel with a nimbate bust holding a staff, Greek inscription 'ΘET?' and 'CΘHN' flanking the bust. 6.99 grams, 22.95 mm overall, 18.99 x 17.57 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Warrior Saints
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
D-section hoop and a large oval bezel with two nimbate warriors holding shields and a spear. 5.83 grams, 22.35 mm overall, 18.92 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
