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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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Luristan Bronze Socketted Spearhead
13th-6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Comprising a leaf-shaped blade with a raised midrib and a tapering tubular socket. 317 grams, 23.7 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
The spear belongs to the type VIII classified by Khorasani (spearheads with well-projecting midribs and long folded sockets) and more specifically to subtype C (with leaf-shaped blade and short hollow socket). Usually the willow-leaf blade has an almost straight shoulder base and a wide, flat midrib tapering towards the point. -
Greek Lead Slingshot of Alexander the Great
336-323 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Biconical in profile with casting seam and reserved monogram 'AB = ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ' (Αlexandrou basileos), a rayed solar symbol, the so-called Argead Star, on the other side; extremely rare, first known specimen of this type. 28.6 grams, 30 mm
From a German private collection, formed since the 1980s.
The Argeads were an important Greek dynasty ruling over ancient Macedonia, with Alexander as the most prominent member of the royal house of the Argeads. The rayed solar symbol (Argead Star, Vergina Star) is interpreted as the historical royal symbol of the ancient Macedonian Dynasty of the Argeads, with its most famous member, Alexander the Great. Cf. a similar slingshot in the Musée du Louvre (INV 1497), acquired by the museum in 1825. -
Bronze Age Sword-Shaped Pendant
Koban Culture, circa 1300-400 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Formed as a leaf-shaped blade with raised ribs on both sides, pierced through the tang. 41 grams, 12.2 cm
From an ancient art collection, formerly acquired in the UK, European, and USA art markets from pre-2000 collections. Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman.
