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LOT 1168
Large Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant
CIRCA 10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/4 in. (38.3 grams, 82 mm).
Enkolpion cross pommée hinged at the base and closure with facetted suspension loop above; obverse with silver-inlaid cross and (abraded) monogram to each roundel; reverse with abraded Corpus Christi. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s.
LiteratureCf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 256, for a more elaborate version of the 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 1168
Large Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant
Estimate £120 - 170€140 - 200 (for guidance only)$160 - 230 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
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Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant with Saints
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Enkolpion with hinged loop, nimbate figure in orans pose to reverse, Corpus Christi to obverse. 22.9 grams, 60 mm
From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Nativity Scene
Circa 14th century A.D.Estimate: £50 - 70 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Comprising a thick rectangular-section hoop and two overlapping discoid bezels, the upper one with a depiction of the Nativity. 6.74 grams, 23.33 mm overall, 1.85 x 13.82 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Piriform body with pointed base and domed mouth, stamped linear decoration on the upper body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 505 grams, 11.9 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.
