Large Romano-British Bronze Catapult Fitting

1ST CENTURY A.D.

2 5/8 in. (110 grams, 67 mm).

Substantial cast cupola with socket to the apex; possibly from a field artillery piece. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Reputed to have been excavated near Viables in Hampshire at the end of the 19th century.
From the estate of the late Jennifer Simmonds.
Acquired from Jacobs & Hunt auctioneers, Petersfield, Hampshire, UK.

Literature

See Marsden, E.A., Greek and Roman Artillery. Historical Development, Oxford, 1969, for discussion; cf.Russo, F., Tormenta, Venti secoli di Artiglieria Meccanica,, Roma, 2002, p.209, fig.51, for the frontal sculpture of a catapult of 1st century A.D. preserved in the Vaticani Musei, fitted with similar bosses.

Footnotes

The circular umbo does not correspond to any known central shield boss, as it also lacks the lower edge; instead, it finds a good correspondence with the circular bosses that reinforced the lower and upper frame of a catapult, equipped with a central bronze cover.

CONDITION

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LOT 1355