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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 Bronze Stirrup Ring with Green Gem
Circa 14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
With a slender hoop and thickened underside, conical bezel set with incuse foliage detailing, inset cabochon. 2.96 grams, 23.50 mm overall, 16.02 x 15.43 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. Accompanied by the original collector's data sheet(s) with reference no.A45. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Piriform body with a rounded base and domed mouth, circumferential bands on the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 747 grams, 14 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. -
Large Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant with Christ and Saints
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Bifacial enkolpion with roundel to end of each arm, hinged polyhedral suspension loop above; obverse with low-relief central Corpus Christi and bust of a saint in each roundel; reverse with central seated figure of Mary surrounded by text and with a nimbate bust in each roundel. 56.8 grams, 98 mm
From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s.
