Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0769
Roman Baked Clay Slingshot Group
1ST CENTURY A.D.
2 - 2 1/2 in. (167 grams total, 50-65 mm).
Comprising three lentoid-section glandes. [3, No Reserve]
Provenance
Ex Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s.
From a North London collection.
Literature
Cf. Marchant, D.J., Roman weaponry in the province of Britain from the second century to the fifth century AD, Durham, 1991, fig.26, for similar.
Footnotes
The trio finds parallels with examples unearthed at Ham Hill, Somerset, UK. The sling (funda) with its lead missiles (plumbea pondera) was used by special funditores, illustrated on Trajan’s Column where they are simply dressed in broad tunics with no armour, but carry a shield. Their cloak, or sagulum acted as an ammunition bag. The effectiveness of the slingers was unquestionable and much appreciated, especially against elephants. Celsus, writing towards the end of the 2nd century A.D., described how a slingshot wound was more dangerous and harder to treat than one inflicted by an arrow.
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
-
Roman 'Thames' Bronze Phallic Seal Box and Pendant Group
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
The seal box with remains of articulate hinge, raised phallus to top face with red enamelled detail; exaggerated stylised penis pendant with fragment of suspension loop remaining. 10.6 grams total, 29-41 mm
Found Billingsgate spoil from the Thames foreshore, London, UK. -
Roman Glass Sprinkler Vessel
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £494
Piriform green jar raised on five small feet to the base, collar to the conical neck and chamfered rim; to the lower neck a disc with narrow central opening; to the outer face of the body, double wavey trail to the upper and lower body. 77 grams, 10 cm high
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Roman Gold Ring with Theseus Gemstone
1st century A.D.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
With flange rim to the ellipsoid bezel, inset banded agate gemstone, intaglio Theseus standing nude with a sword. 3.79 grams, 24.29 mm overall, 21.62 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11862-206980.
