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LOT 1813
Greek Lead Slingshot of Alexander the Great, Celebrating him as Invincible
336-323 B.C.
1 1/4 in. (27.48 grams, 32 mm).
Biconical in profile with casting seam and reserved monogram 'AB = ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ' (Αlexandrou basileos), a laurel wreath, symbol of victory, on the other side; extremely rare, only two specimens known. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a German private collection, formed since the 1980s.
Previously property of an Austrian collector, Vienna.
For similar, see Nankov, E., Markers of Military Mobility: Toward an Archaeology of the Sling in Ancient Thrace (5th c. BC – 4th c. AD), with a corpus of the inscribed lead sling projectiles from Bulgaria. Glandes Plumbeae Inscriptae in Bulgaria Repertae, Sofia, 2023, p. 75 and pl. XXV LI14; Şahin, F., Patara, vol. V.2: Patarametal buluntulari, Istanbul, 2018, pp. 57–58, D11, fig. 13; cf. a similar slingshot in the Musée du Louvre (INV 1497), acquired by the museum in 1825.
FootnotesThe laurel wreath representing victory is also depicted on, e.g. gold staters of Alexander the Great, held by the goddess Nike.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1813
Greek Lead Slingshot of Alexander the Great, Celebrating him as Invincible
Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
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Bactrian Bronze Axehead
3rd-2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
With curved flaring cutting edge, characteristic curving shape and narrow socket, blade end squaring off, shaft hole pierced on both sides. 227 grams, 10.6 cm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.
These collared axes have the specific feature of being equipped with variously shaped rear extensions. The provenance of this typology is clearer than others: these axes came from Margiana and southern Bactria. Gonur Depe and Susa yielded a rather atypical and probably imported example. P. Amiet suggests that they were an adoption of Elamite material, from conceptual and institutional models. They would have developed from the end of the 3rd and the beginning of the 2nd millennium B.C. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Macehead
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Comprising a cylindrical shaft with flared mouth, rounded flanges around the bulb, and horizontal stepped collars. 263 grams, 13.4 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s. -
Viking Age Iron Bearded Axe-Hammer
Circa 9th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £494
With a broad curved blade, a narrow neck, a square hammer extension to the rear; round socket with lateral triangular extensions. 327 grams, 19.6 cm
Ex North American collection, 1970s-1980s.
