Greek Style Reproduction Helmet

Comprising: square-section missile head with short neck; conical ferrule with square-section finial; conical ferrule socket with long square-section finial. 64 grams total, 8.2-12.8 cm



Found S.E. England, UK. Acquired from Allan Cherry, Bournemouth, UK, circa 2004. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK.

The usual form of the butt of the spears in this period was a cone shape, sometimes split down one side, but more often forged into a complete circle. The butt was fastened to the wooden shaft by one or more rivets. The butt or ferrule of the Roman spears essentially had two functions. Firstly it acted as a counterweight to the blade of the spear/javelin, ensuring that the weapon was balanced and therefore effective. Secondly, it kept the wooden shaft out of contact with the ground if the spear was grounded and thus avoiding damage to it.

Biconical lead slingshot (glans) with inscription in Latin letters 'CN' (Cneius) 'MAG' (Magnus) on one side, and 'IMP' for 'IMPERATOR' (victorious general) to the other side, i.e Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus Imperator (Pompey the Great the victorious general). 75 grams, 51 mm



From a Spanish collection. From the collection of a London antiquarian. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 4th May 2022 and titled 'Roman Res Publica - Lead Slingshots (glandes) of Caesarian Age - 45 B.C circa'. Accompanied by a printed copy of the Spanish cultural export licence 2022/07273.

The shot (Völling type 1C) is marked with the abbreviated name of Gnaeus Pompey; it was used in quantity at the Battle of Monda (or Munda) against Julius Caesar, 17th March 45 BC. The projectiles were made of different materials: lead (glandes) or in pottery or stone (lapides missiles). Sometimes they were signed with the name of the general, like our specimen.

Also known as 'Model No 2 Army' with hinged frame, six shot .32 calibre rimfire cylinder with 'PATENTED APRIL 3 1855 JULY 5 1859 & DEC 18 1860' and 15cm (6") octagonal barrel marked 'SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS' to top with fixed extractor pin and spur trigger; serial number 47946 to butt strap with plain wood grip scales; action working. 690 grams, 27 cm



Acquired from Bolk Antique Arms, Netherlands, 2016. Ex Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by an original Bolk invoice.

Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the Firearms Act, 1968, to be held as a curiosity or ornament. No license required but buyer must be over 18 years of age. Overseas bidders should note that, due to UK regulations governing export of all firearms, overseas buyers will need to make arrangements for shipping this lot out of the UK directly, by air freight, with a specialist company or agent.