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LOT 0193
Large Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant with Saint George and Mary
CIRCA 10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/4 in. (82 grams, 10.8 cm).
With separate hinge and suspension loop; obverse with nimbate robed figure in a tondo with legend 'ΓΕΟΡΓ[Η]' (St George); reverse with robed and nimbate figure in orans pose with 'ICX' beneath each wrist, smaller nimbate figure before, legend 'MHP ΘV' (Mother of God). [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s.
LiteratureCf. Pitarakis, B., Les Croix-Reliquaires Pectorales Byzantines en Bronze, Paris, 2006, item 7, 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 0193
Large Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant with Saint George and Mary
Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
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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. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Floral Cross
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
With broad hoop and stud to the underside, drum-shaped bezel with hatching to the shoulders, incuse hatched cross. 15.11 grams, 26.76 mm overall, 19.02 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)
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.A89. -
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.
