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LOT 1181
Large Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant with Christ and Saints
CIRCA 10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/2 in. (43.1 grams, 88 mm).
Obverse: central facing nimbate figure of Mary with 'MHP ΘV' legend, facing nimbate bust in each of the roundels; reverse with cruciform void and pellets; hinged loop with ropework detailing. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s.
LiteratureCf. Pitarakis, B., Les Croix-Reliquaires Pectorales Byzantines En Bronze, Paris, 2006, p.37, for type.
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 1181
Large Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant with Christ and Saints
Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
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Byzantine Silver Ring with Mary and Child
7th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Featuring a slender hoop and a tall conical bezel with seated Mary holding the infant Jesus on her lap. 2.92 grams, 25.93 mm overall, 18.00 x 17.74 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Byzantine Silver Priest's Ladle Pair
Circa 10th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £293
Each with a shallow discoid bowl and flared rim, round-section shank; one with an integral suspension ring. 58.3 grams total, 16.2-16.5 cm
Ex property of a London gentleman; part of a Mayfair collection formed in the 1970s and 1980s. Private collection, Suffolk, UK. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Bulbous body with pointed base and domed mouth, two circumferential bands above the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 403 grams, 10.5 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.
