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LOT 1547
Greek Lead Slingshot with Alpha
1ST CENTURY B.C.
1 1/4 in. (30.9 grams, 33 mm).
Lenticular type with casting seam to the rim, raised iconic Greek letter A (alpha) on one side, and the other with raised pellets.
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Schinco, G., Small, A.M., 'A previously unknown siege of Botromagno/Silvium: the evidence of slingshots from Gravina in Puglia (Provincia di Bari, Puglia)' in Papers of the British School at Rome, 2019, pp.1-52, fig.31,22 (type Volling IIb).
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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Sasanian Silver-Plated Lion Shield Boss
6th-7th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £936
With stylised repoussé head and face detailing showing two faces, one to the side and the other to the top, the mane represented by a scalloped border; sheet-silver cladding to the head over bronze; pierced for attachment. 80.9 grams, 78 mm
Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. London, UK, collection. -
Roman Lead Cnaeus Pompey Battle of Munda Slingshot
Circa 46 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
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. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Dagger
14th-10th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Triangular blade with raised midrib and a rectangular-section tang. 130 grams, 31 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1990s.
