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LOT 0855
Roman Bronze Double Phallic Amulet
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
2 in. (8.83 grams, 53 mm).
Comprising a rectangular plaque with raised sides, and socket, two lateral pivot-lugs, one spike finial and one hand in the fica gesture.
ProvenanceEx London, UK, collection, 1990s.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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Roman Bronze Lunar Pendant
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Comprising a crescentic pendant with applied suspension loop. 9.1 grams, 49 mm
Found Worcestershire, UK. -
Roman Lead Sling Shot Projectile Collection
1st century B.C.-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £585
Comprising ten lentoid-section glandes, five with impressed stylised 'fulmen' (thunderbolt) of Jupiter. 384 grams total, 18-36 mm
Acquired in Europe in 1990. European private collection.
The missiles of ovoid shape belong to type Ia of the Völling classification. The sling (funda) with its lead missiles (plumbea pondera or glandae) and stone (lapides) 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. A fold in 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. -
Roman and Byzantine Bronze Ring Group
Circa 3rd-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Including trumpet bezel, claw-setting and other types. 30 grams total, 18-26 mm
Ex C. Sullivan collection, UK, 1990s.