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LOT 1509
Hellenistic Rhodian Lead Slingshot with Bee
3RD CENTURY B.C.
1 1/4 in. (27.2 grams, 31 mm).
Lentoid-section and depicting a bee to one side and inscription 'ΚΑΛΑ' on the other. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a Manchester, UK, collection, 1990s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Manov, M., Torbov.N., 'Inscribed Lead Sling Bullets with the name of Alexander the Great and with other names and symbols found in Thrace' in Archaeologia Bulgarica, XX, 2, pp.29-43, fig.23, for identical; 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.38.
FootnotesThe 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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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1509
Hellenistic Rhodian Lead Slingshot with Bee
Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
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Viking Age Volga Bulgar Bronze Belt Mount Collection
10th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £900
Comprising: twenty-seven fittings of polygonal shape with reserved stylised vegetal forms; one belt buckle of similar shape and decoration on the preserved part of the barb; a roundel; a narrow polygonal belt-tip; attachment rivets to reverse; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 525 grams total, mounts: 21-34 mm
Acquired on the London art market, 1990s. Private collection, London. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12621-234052. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Pentagonal strap mounts decorated with schematic plant ornaments, cast in bronze, characterised the population of Volga Bulgars, often in commercial relations with the Viking world. A belt-set with pentagonal and rectangular mounts decorated with plant ornaments, along with its strap end and buckle, were excavated by V.D. Sokolov in Slavic-Scandinavian graves in Russian territory. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead Collection
19th-6th century B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £56
Including triangular, leaf-shaped, barbed, paddle-shaped with a flat, comparatively wide mid-rib, and others. 176 grams total, 25-77 mm
Ex London art market, 1980-1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Some of the represented arrowheads (paddle-shaped) were typical of the Old Babylonian Empire. The shoulders were pronounced and the arrowhead had a rectangular-section tapering tang. This simple form was popular throughout and are comparatively common finds in the Holy Land. -
Greek and Other Bronze Arrowhead Collection
Circa 5th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Comprising mainly leaf-shaped, triangular, and trilobate socketted arrowheads. 98.5 grams total, 24-40 mm
Ex London art market, 1980-1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
In Greek warfare, archers were mainly employed by Scythians and Cretans. Both used composite bows made of wood, horn, bone and sinew. This explains the great range of Scythian arrowheads also found on the Greek sites.
