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LOT 1128
Very Large Christian Pilgrim's Token
CIRCA 6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 in. (22 grams, 45 mm).
Plano-convex in section with reserved scene including a facing figure flanked by two others with arms raised, a grid or lattice, bovine animal and other items.
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of the late Mr S.M., 1969-1999, thence by descent.
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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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Bulbous body with short neck and biconvex filler-hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 454 grams, 10.4 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'.
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 Terracotta Token with Inscription
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
D-shaped in section with impressed legend to the flat face 'AΘHNA' (Athens). 20 grams, 74 mm
Ex important Christian collection, 1970s. -
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Articulated enkolpion with loop; incised robed and nimbate figure to obverse in orans pose with legend below arms 'ICXC' (abbreviation for Jesus Christ); reverse with incised robed and nimbate figure to obverse in orans pose with stars surrounding. 22.8 grams, 63 mm
Ex David Miller, Hemel Hempstead, London, UK. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s.