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LOT 1109
Large Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant with Christ and Saint
CIRCA 10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/4 in. (36.9 grams, 82 mm).
Enkolpion with hinged and ribbed loop; low-relief nimbate figure in orans pose to reverse wearing draped robes; robed Corpus Christi to reverse with cross above. [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 258, 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 1109
Large Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant with Christ and Saint
Sold for (Inc. bp): £377
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Byzantine Age Gilt Bronze Horse Bridle Decoration Group
9th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £650
Comprising: a domed cap with lateral scoops and attachment holes to the edges, a central applied tapering tube with flared rim; twelve gently domed disc-scales with two attachment points. 357 grams total, 8.2-13.3 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
The cap is provided with a plume-holder and two lateral slots for the ears; the scales decorate the rest of the bridle or harness. -
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. -
Byzantine Ring with Bust of a Saint
12th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £164
Wide hoop with a raised boss at the base, an oval bezel with a facing bust of a nimbate saint flanked by two crosses. 5.73 grams, 23.63 mm overall, 19.84 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.