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LOT 1170
Large Byzantine Bronze Ring with Bird
6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (2.34 grams, 23.12 mm overall, 18.28 x 20.50 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)).
Comprising a slender large hoop and a discoid bezel with a stylised standing bird. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a UK collection formed in the 1980s.
Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Bulbous body with a domed mouth, a circumferential band on the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 374 grams, 11 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 Silver Strap End Group
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Matching pair of strap ends with openwork decoration on the tongue-shaped body. 9.76 grams total, 44 mm each
Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. From the property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. -
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.
