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LOT 0257
Roman Julius Caesar Lead Sling Shot from the Battle of Munda
45 B.C.
1 3/8 in. (65.04 grams, 37 mm).
Bearing a monogram: a combination of the letters 'C', 'A' and 'E', for 'C A E S' referring to Julius Caesar.
ProvenanceFound near to a village close to Seville, 1960-1970.
From an old Spanish collection.
Swiss private collection.
Accompanied by a copy of the Spanish export licence.
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.
Cf. D'Amato, R. and Sumner, G., Arms and Armour of the Imperial Roman Soldier: From Marius to Commodus, 112 BC-AD 192, London, 2009, fig.32, p.45, for similar glandes from Zaragoza Museum, the one with the name of Pompey inscribed also from the Munda battlefield; Schinco, G., Small, A.M., 'A previously unknown siege of Botromagno/Silvium: the evidence of slingshots from Gravina in Puglia (Provincia di Bari, Puglia)' in Papers of the British School at Rome, 2019, pp.1-52, figs.31, 37.
FootnotesThe 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 Monda (or Munda) against the last fellows of Pompey, the leaders of the Optimates, on the 17th March 45 B.C. Similar shots were used in the civil war among Pompey and Caesar, and in all Caesar's wars. The funditores of Caesar's age were part of the light infantry. Caesar speaks of his Balearic slingers during the conquest of Gaul, who were usually covered by a short tunic, leather or rope sandals, a coat to cover them, but which could also have been used to store projectiles. Rather, they used a satchel to carry very deadly lead-like stones or bullets. The men employed several slings: one was tied around the head for quick employment should the other break during the battle.
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LOT 0257
Roman Julius Caesar Lead Sling Shot from the Battle of Munda
Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
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Luristan Bronze Dirk
Circa 1000 B.C.Estimate: £400 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £139
Composed of a leaf-shaped blade with a raised penannular rib and slot below the shoulder connected to the grip with lateral flanges and integral pommel, recessed to accept an organic insert. 264 grams, 37.5 cm
From an old English collection, formed in the 1980s. The Kusmirek Collection, UK.
This dirk, cast in one piece mould, belongs to the daggers that Medvedskaya believes support the thesis that majority of them were cast in one piece. However, there are examples where the penannular grip was cast on later on the dagger or dirk. -
Percussion Long Musket
19th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £80
Long-barrelled (101cm) and slightly flared to an octagonal muzzle, bound to wood stock with six brass bands; with percussion lock (working order); fitted with iron butt plate and brass trigger guard; numbered 'D22/81' to side of butt; with a steel ramrod to underside of barrel (end ferrule of slot absent); probably native workmanship, copying European type. 4.50 kg, 150 cm overall
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the Firearms Act, 1968, to be held as a curiosity or ornament. No license required but buyer must be over 18 years of age. Overseas bidders should note that, due to UK regulations governing export of all firearms, overseas buyers will need to make arrangements for shipping this lot out of the UK directly, by air freight, with a specialist company or agent. -
Roman Julius Caesar Lead Sling Shot from the Battle of Munda
45 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
Bearing a monogram: a combination of the letters 'C', 'A' and 'E', for 'C A E S' referring to Julius Caesar. 65.04 grams, 37 mm
Fine condition.
Found near to a village close to Seville, 1960-1970. From an old Spanish collection. Swiss private collection. Accompanied by a copy of the Spanish export licence. 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.
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 Monda (or Munda) against the last fellows of Pompey, the leaders of the Optimates, on the 17th March 45 B.C. Similar shots were used in the civil war among Pompey and Caesar, and in all Caesar's wars. The funditores of Caesar's age were part of the light infantry. Caesar speaks of his Balearic slingers during the conquest of Gaul, who were usually covered by a short tunic, leather or rope sandals, a coat to cover them, but which could also have been used to store projectiles. Rather, they used a satchel to carry very deadly lead-like stones or bullets. The men employed several slings: one was tied around the head for quick employment should the other break during the battle.