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LOT 0607
Greek Inscribed Lead Slingshot
4TH CENTURY B.C.
1 1/4 in. (35.8 grams, 30 mm).
Biconical in profile with casting seam and reserved legend 'ΦΙΛ[.]VOC (PHILIPPOS)'. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the German art market before 2000.
Private collection, Munich, Germany.
Cf. Manov, M., Torbov, N., 'Inscribed Lead Sling Bullets with the name of Alexander the Great and with other names and symbols found in Thrace' in Archaeologia Bulgarica, XX, 2, pp.29-43, figs.1ff, for similar.
FootnotesThe leaden bullets, thrown with slings, were called in Greek molivdainai (μολύβδαιναι), and in Latin glandes; the former indicating the material ‘lead’, the latter the shape ‘acorns’. These bullets were cast in a mould and bore letters or devices, or both, on two sides or only on one. In form, they were more like an almond than an acorn, but many are pointed at both ends.
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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Including triangular-section, leaf-shaped and other types. 24.1 grams total, 23-67 mm
The Greek examples from Persepolis Gallery, Mayfair, London, UK, in the 1980s. Ex private collection, London, UK. The two leaf-shaped examples acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. The tanged ex property of a North London gentleman; acquired on the UK art market. From a private collection formed in the Netherlands. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman. -
Hellenistic Terracotta Spindle Flask
5th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
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Greek Gold Pomegranate Pendant
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