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LOT 1388
Greek Lead Slingshot
3RD-1ST CENTURY B.C.
1 1/4 in. (29.4 grams, 30 mm).
Biconical in profile with casting seam and reserved legend 'ΑΛ[EXANΔΡΟ]Υ.', the club of Herakles on the other side. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the German art market before 2000.
Private collection, Munich, Germany.
See Akat Özenir, S., ‘Some Inscribed Lead Sling Bullets from Miletos’ in Epigraphica Anatolica 50 (2017), pp. 167–178, nos.19-21, for similar.
FootnotesThe presence of the club of Hercules connects the slingshot with ruling dynasty of Macedonia. Similar slingshots were found in Miletos.
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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Hellenistic Rhodian Lead Slingshot with Bee
3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Lentoid-section and depicting a bee to one side and inscription 'ΚΑΛΑ' on the other. 27.2 grams, 31 mm
Ex Norri collection, Milton Keynes, UK, 1980s-1990s.
The slingshots with an inscription ΚΑΛΑ are believed to originate from the island of Rhodes. On these sling bullets ΚΑΛΑ should be translated as “nice things.” Together with the Balearic slingers, Rhodian slingers were considered to be the best of the Hellenistic world, and they were also used in the Roman army. -
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Found Tuesday 1st April 2025 in Wenham Parva, Babergh, Suffolk, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.SF-92FBDC. -
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