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LOT 1409
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]
ProvenanceEx Norri collection, Milton Keynes, UK, 1980s-1990s.
LiteratureCf. 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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Eastern Roman Tinned Bronze Composite Belt Mount
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Opening Bid: £50
Displaying openwork floriate decoration within a tongue-shaped frame; two pierced attachment lugs to the rear. 27.9 grams, 93 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
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Germanic Iron Socketted Javelin Head
Circa 5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
Long shaft tapering towards a triangular blade with strong mid-rib and squared shoulders; professionally cleaned, conserved, and restored. 210 grams, 40.7 cm
Cleaned, conserved and restored.
From the family collection of a South East London collector; formerly acquired in the late 1950s.
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Cylindrical body with pointed tip, two vertical lugs on the upper body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 513 grams, 14.5 cm
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