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LOT 0799
Large Byzantine Weight with Cross and Lettering
1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
1 5/8 in. (83 grams, 41 mm).
A large coin-shaped copper-alloy weight engraved with a cross recercelee at centre flanked by the Greek letters 'Γ - Γ', enclosed in a roundel of chevrons punctuated by a single annulet at each quarter, scallops and pellets to the outer border. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired before the early 1970s.
Ex London, UK, gallery.
Property of a London gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Horse Lock Plate
7th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
A lock plate formed as a stylised horse standing right, with geometric detailing to the head, body and legs. 29.5 grams, 53 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired 1970-2010. Collection of a late Japanese gentleman. -
Byzantine Chain with Cross Pendant
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
A copper-alloy trichinopoly chain with cruciform pendant, decorated on one face with a geometric design representing the five wounds of Christ. 14.5 grams, 40 cm
Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
A squat ceramic vessel with a piriform body and domed mouth, band of impressed discs to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 480 grams, 96 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. 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. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.
