Byzantine Priest's Blessing Cross

11th century AD. A bronze blessing cross, each arm of the cross ending with spherical ornaments, one of the arm attached to the body of the cross through a rivet, show signs of ancient restoration; remains of Greek letters (A) ??C ???(?)??? in the upper arm and ? ? in the lower arm, maybe with the meaning Aghios Georgios (Saint George) and ????? ??? ???? ([M?t?r tou Theou] Mother of God. Cf. Pitarakis, B., Les Croix-Reliquaires Pectorales Byzantines En Bronze, France, 2006, figs.87, 92-95, for similar examples. 61 grams, 11.4cm (4 1/2"). Property of a London gentleman; from his private collection formed before 2000. [No Reserve]
Condition Report: Fair condition, with ancient repair.