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LOT 1484
Greek Lead Slingshot with Macedonian Star
3RD-1ST CENTURY B.C.
1 1/8 in. (27.2 grams, 30 mm).
Biconical in profile with a casting seam and a rayed solar symbol, the so-called Argead Star, on one side. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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 (2016), pp.29-43, fig.14, for a bullet with a similar symbol.
FootnotesThe 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 being Alexander the Great.
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