Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History, Stamps & Coins

Facetted lentoid-section sling shot (glans) with inscription in Latin letters 'CN' (Cneius) 'MAG' (Magnus) on one side, and 'IMP' for 'IMPERATOR' (victorious general) to the other side, i.e., Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus Imperator (Pompey the Great the victorious general). 71.2 grams, 51 mm



Previously from a private Spanish collection. Ex London, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by a copy of a Spanish export licence.

The shot (Völling type 1C) is marked with the abbreviated name of Gnaeus Pompey; it was used in quantity at the Battle of Monda (or Munda) against Julius Caesar, 17th March 45 BC. The projectiles could be of different material: in lead (glandes) or in pottery or stone (lapides missiles). Sometimes they were signed with the name of the general, as is our specimen.

With a narrow, slightly angled blade and a tubular socket. 374 grams, 13.1 cm



Ex Abelita collection, 1990s.

Lenticular type with casting seam to the rim, raised monogram (caduceus?) on one side. 30.6 grams, 33 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Curving blade and a rectnagular-section socket with thickened rim. 332 grams, 10.7 cm



Ex M. Spiegelberg collection, since 1989-1992; thence by descent. Accompanied by a copy of a previous yellow cataloguing slip.

Comprising three gun flints, one tongue-shaped and the other two rectangular. 33.1 grams total, 29-36 mm



From the private collection of the late Mr M., a collector from Waterlooville, Hampshire, UK; late 1980s-early 1990s.