Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1491
Greek Lead Slingshot
3RD-1ST CENTURY B.C.
1 1/8 in. (28.5 grams, 28 mm).
Biconical in profile with casting seam and reserved legend 'ΔΑМΑCΕΝΟΥ' = of Damasenos, and 'M' to reverse. [No Reserve]
Provenance
Acquired on the German art market before 2000.
Private collection, Munich, Germany.
Literature
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 Volling IIb).
Footnotes
The leaden bullets, which were thrown with 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 only on one side. In form they were more like an almond than an acorn, but many are pointed at both ends.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Framed Greek Bronze Barbed Arrowhead
5th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Leaf-shaped arrowhead with midrib, conical socket and lateral spur; mounted in a glazed wooden display case with hand-lettered explanatory text concerning the battle of Thermopylae where the item was found. 440 grams total, 22.7 x 17.6 cm
Acquired on the UK art market. From the private collection of an East Anglian, UK, Specialist Collector. -
Indian Silvered Bronze Sabre Handle
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Comprising a lentoid-section bulbous grip with lateral stub quilloons and carinated spur to both faces ending in a trefoil, dished disc pommel with dome and knop; curved knuckle-guard with returned knop finial; reserved panels of arabesque foliage ornament, rosettes and linear detailing. 447 grams, 19.1 cm
Private collection, UK. -
Greek Iron Lancehead
Magna Graecia, 6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Blade widened at the base, ribbed, conical socket with wooden remains. 277 grams total, 43 cm including stand (lance 25.8 cm)
From the famous arms and armour collection of Axel Guttmann (1944-2001), Berlin, Germany. Ex Hermann Historica, Munich, Germany, 4 May 2011, no.1783 (lot). From a private specialist collection, London, UK. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Hermann Historica catalogue pages.
The spear finds an almost identical parallel in two spearheads from Lavello, found associated with a Corinthian helmet and a sword, as part of Burial objects, dating back to around the middle of the 6th century BC. This type of hoplite weaponry was used by individual warriors, who, in Daunia (South Italic Apulia), while adopting Greek models, fought on horseback, according to a fighting style centred on the heroic duel between leaders.
