Roman Bronze Furniture Applique

A biconical facetted lentoid-section lead sling shot (glans), inscription monogram a combination of letters 'C', 'A' and 'E', for 'C A E S' referring to Julius Caesar. 31.9 grams, 34 mm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a gentleman collector. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 4th May 2022 and titled 'Roman Res Publica - Lead Slingshots (glandes) of Caesarian Age - 45 B.C circa'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The shot (type IIb of the Völling classification) is marked with the abbreviated name of Julius Caesar; it was used in quantity at the Battle of Munda (or Monda) against the last fellows of Pompey, the leaders of the Optimates, on the 17th March 45 BC. Similar shots were used by the Caesar's army. The slingers of Caesar's age were part of the light infantry. Caesar speaks of his Balearic slingers during the conquest of Gaul. They wore a short tunic, with leather or rope sandals to the feet, and a warm overcoat which could also have been used to store projectiles. They also used a satchel to carry very deadly lead-like stones or bullets.

Slender round-section hoop with red jasper intaglio engraved with a standing stork. 2.57 grams, 23.68 mm overall, 19.66 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)



Ex Prof. Dr Emil Vogt (1906-1974), the former Director of the Swiss National Museum, Zürich, in his collection before 1970. with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

With slightly flattened base and spherical body, tubular neck with flared and rolled rim. 10.1 grams, 79 mm



From an important London collection of glass, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.