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LOT 0203
Large Byzantine Gold Ring with Christ Engraved on a Green Chalcedony Gemstone
CIRCA 5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (10.07 grams, 26.22 mm overall, 20.52 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.63, Japan 19)).
With round-section hoop and discoid stepped bezel, inset chalcedony cloison with nimbate bust of Christ.
ProvenanceUK collection, acquired 1971.
with Christie's, London, 5 July 2023, no.61.
Accompanied by a positive scientific statement from Striptwist Limited, a London-based company run by historical precious metal specialist Dr Jack Ogden, reference number 220507.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12691-235717.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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LOT 0203
Large Byzantine Gold Ring with Christ Engraved on a Green Chalcedony Gemstone
Estimate £5,000 - 7,000€5,800 - 8,120 (for guidance only)$6,750 - 9,450 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
A large bulbous missile with domed mouth, a circumferential band of annulets to the shoulder, the body misshapen during manufacturing process; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 1.42 kg, 15 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. 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'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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 Bird
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
D-section hoop with decorative shoulders, discoid bezel with splayed bird. 5.97 grams, 23.32 mm overall, 19.25 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant
7th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Expanding arms and five punched ring-and-dot motifs to the obverse, possibly symbolising the 'Five Wounds of Christ'. 3.72 grams, 33 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
