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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]
ProvenanceEx Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s.
From a North London collection.
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.
FootnotesThe 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.
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Roman Bronze Artefact Collection
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Mainly comprising fragmentary artefacts including brooches; rings; mounts and other miscellaneous items, including items displaying enamelled and other decorative techniques. 232 grams total, 13-48 mm
Found Berkshire, UK. -
Roman Gold Ring with Gem Depicting Alexander the Great Hunting
3rd century A.D.Estimate: £30,000 - 40,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £16,667
Composed of a large openwork hoop and bezel set with a jasper gemstone, intaglio image of a mounted cavalryman wearing a high-crested pseudo Corinthian helmet and holding a barbed javelin in his hand, protecting his horse from the leaping lion attacking from the rear, a tree behind. 33.97 grams, 31.98 mm overall, 20.67 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)
Acquired on the New York art market in 1995. Ex French collection. with Christie's, London, 25th April 2007, lot 187. Important North West London collection. Accompanied by a copy of a French cultural passport no.079872. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.11775-204565.
The massive size, shape and the volute decoration is typical of the 3rd century A.D. and similar rings are visible in the collections of the British Museum and Mainz State Museum. The subject of the intaglio is made with great skill, exquisite artistry and engraved in fine detail. The lion hunt theme is typical of the Hellenistic world since the time of Alexander the Great. -
Roman to Medieval Iron Artefact Group
Circa 1st-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Comprising: a bell; fire steel; fish arrow point; tanged 'fork'; ram's head mount; together with other miscellaneous items. 368 grams total, 4.3-12.5 cm
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance.
