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LOT 1396
Decorated Star-Shaped Macehead
EASTERN EUROPEAN, CIRCA 14TH CENTURY A.D.
2 in. (85 grams, 53 mm).
With short thick triangular spikes, decorated with engraved concentric circles. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000.
From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
Cf. Gilliot, C., Weapons and Armours, Bayeux, 2008, pp.160-161, for similar maceheads.
FootnotesThe polygonal mace evolved into the hexagonal winged mace. Originating in the east, this weapon spread across Eastern Europe during the 13th century A.D., and from there to the west. The winged mace, used by the western Europeans, was almost certainly based upon Eastern Roman or Islamic prototypes. It is relevant to note that the polygonal mace was widely used by the eastern cavalrymen (like Turkish and Mongols), during the 14th century A.D.
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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Roman 'Julius Caesar' Slingshot from the Battle of Munda
45 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
A biconical facetted lentoid-section lead sling shot (glans), inscription monogram a combination of letters 'C', 'A' and 'E', for 'C A E S' referring to Julius Caesar. 68.9 grams, 37 mm
From the collection of an London antiquarian, 1980s. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 4th May 2022 and titled 'Roman Res Publica - Lead Slingshots (glandes) of Caesarian Age - 45 B.C circa'. Accompanied by a printed copy of the Spanish cultural export licence 2022/07273.
The shot (type IIb of the Völling classification) is marked with the abbreviated name of Julius Caesar; it was used in quantity at the Battle of Monda (or Munda) against the last fellows of Pompey, the leaders of the Optimates, on the 17th March 45 BC. Similar shots were used in the Caesar's wars. The slingers of Caesar's age were part of the light infantry. Caesar speaks of his Balearic slingers during the conquest of Gaul. They wore a short tunic, with leather or rope sandals to the feet, and a warm overcoat which could also have been used to store projectiles. They also used a satchel to carry very deadly lead-like stones or bullets. -
Hellenistic Rhodian Lead Slingshot with Scorpion
3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Lentoid-section and depicting a stylised scorpion to one side and inscription 'ΚΑΛΑ' on the other. 26 grams, 31 mm
Ex Cummings collection, UK, 1990s.
Together with the Balearic slingers, Rhodian slingers were considered to be the best of the Hellenistic world, and they were also used in the Roman army. The slingshots with an image of a scorpion on one side and with an inscription ΚΑΛΑ on the other are believed to originate from the Island of Rhodes. On these sling bullets ΚΑΛΑ should be translated as “nice things.” Of course, ironically, these “nice things” were designed to kill enemies and to sting like a scorpion, and the message of those with the image of a scorpion could be understood, as proposed ny M. Manov and N. Torbov, as: “nice things sting like a scorpion.” -
Luristan Bronze 'Pineapple' Macehead
13th-7th century B.C.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Of Sara Gorz type with cylindrical shaft extended over the top, rounded knobs around the swollen head, flanked by horizontal grooved bands. 272 grams, 12.5 cm high
Fine condition.
Acquired mid 1980s to early 1990s. Private family collection formed in London, UK.
