Loading, please wait...
LOT 1101
Large Byzantine Bronze Ring with Cross and Saint
CIRCA 6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (18.62 grams, 30.50 mm overall, 23.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U 1/2, USA 10 1/4, Europe 23.15, Japan 22)).
Comprising a thick round-section hoop and integral disc bezel; incuse cross with nimbate bust above flanked by two equal-arm crosses, enigmatic legend to the rim.
ProvenanceAcquired circa 1980.
Property of a Middlesex gentleman.
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
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. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Stavrosis and Two Roman Soldiers
10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Comprising a D-section hoop and an oval bezel with a cross flanked by two adoring figures. 1.66 grams, 17.78 mm overall, 15.34 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I, USA 4 1/4, Europe 7.44, Japan 7)
From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Gryphon
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
With a rectangular-section hoop and a raised rectangular bezel with a stylised gryphon. 3.05 grams, 22.01 mm overall, 17.76 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)
From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
