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LOT 1459
Greek Lead Slingshot
3RD-1ST CENTURY B.C.
1 1/4 in. (25.6 grams, 31 mm).
Biconical in profile with casting seam and reserved legend 'ΛY-P-N' = maybe ΛYKOΦ-PONO = Lykophronos (name). [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the German art market before 2000.
Private collection, Munich, Germany.
See 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.37, type iib of Volling, for similar.
FootnotesThe leaden bullets, which were thrown from 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 on only 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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Elaborate Canaanite Bronze 'Anchor' Axehead
Early 2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
Comprising a deep crescentic blade with two spurs at each end intended to brace against the shaft, a narrow neck, and flared socket with vertical spurs to the reverse and a knop finial. 305 grams, 11.2 cm wide
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. -
Crimean War Bronze Shrapnel Cannon Ball
Dated 1854 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Hollow-formed shot with plug in situ, engraved: 'INKERMAN / NOV 1854 / 49 FOOT'. 1.7 kg, 80 mm
Acquired on the UK art art. Property of a Nottinghamshire, UK, gentleman.
The 49th (Princess Charlotte of Wales's) (Hertfordshire) Regiment of Foot was an infantry regiment which took part in the Crimean War and fought at the Battle of Inkerman in November 1854. -
Western Asiatic Style Dagger Pair
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Each a curved steel blade with two fullers, stamped 'SYRIE'; waisted bronze grip with applied bone panels, tendril ornament and 'SYRIA' legend to reverse; cast scabbard with suspension rings, guilloche decoration and 'SYRIA' legend. 655 grams total, 26.5-27 cm
Acquired during the 1960s. From an old North London oriental and ethnographical collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
