Loading, please wait...
LOT 1485
Greek Lead Slingshot
3RD-1ST CENTURY B.C.
1 1/8 in. (29.8 grams, 29 mm).
Biconical in profile with casting seam and reserved legend 'ΣΟΜA' to one face, 'HPAKAEI' to reverse, with the possible meaning 'Body of Herakles'. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the German art market before 2000.
Private collection, Munich, Germany.
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.37(type Volling IIb).
FootnotesThe principal varieties of the inscriptions found on sling bullets are: 1) the name of a man, a place or a person; 2) the name of a deity, sometimes on its own and sometimes in connection with ‘victory’; 3) words conveying orders, jokes or sarcasms. Here the inscription connects the power of the bullet to the mythical god of strength.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Western Asiatic Stone Macehead
3rd-2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Piriform with vertical socket expanding towards the narrower end. 342 grams, 67 mm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990-2000s. -
Luristan Bronze Socketted Adze
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Long tubular socket, rectangular-section tapering blade with convex cutting edge. 355 grams, 14.2 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s. -
Luristan Bronze Dirk
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Blade with single median rib, crescent-shaped pommel, ridged grip and pseudo-penannular guard embossed over the junction between the hilt and the blade. 355 grams, 43.5 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
These dirks were integrally cast. Moorey, Gordon and Khorasani created a classification of bladed weapons, according to which daggers are edged weapons no greater than 36cm in length, dirks (short swords) are between 36cm and 50cm in length, and swords are edged weapons greater than 50cm in length.
