Loading, please wait...
LOT 1053
Roman Marble Ballista Catapult Shot
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
3 1/8 in. (682 grams, 79 mm).
Suitable for use with an onager or other small catapult-type siege weapon; with roughened, abrasive surface. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1971-1972.
From the collection of the vendor's father.
Property of a London, UK, collector.
See Wilkins, A., Roman Imperial Artillery, Solway Print, 2017.
FootnotesThe operation of the onager (Latin for 'wild ass') is first mentioned in 353 A.D. by Ammianus Marcellinus in his Res Gestae and more fully in Vegetius's Epitoma Rei Militaris probably written in the reign of Emperor Theodosius I (378-395 A.D.).
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:
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.
-
Victorian 1845 Pattern Officer's Sword by Buckmaster
19th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £83
Composed of a slightly curved and fullered blade with crowned VR monograms, royal arms and maker's name and London address; with half-basket pierced brass guard and hilt bearing openwork crowned VR monogram; ray skin hilt with wire binding, 733 grams, 97 cm
Acquired from ROA Antique Arms, UK. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the ROA purchase invoice and listing. -
Percussion Swivel Breech Kentucky Rifle
1836 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,820
Over and under turnover rifle with 82cm (32¼") barrel with brass insert inscribed 'D Kornman' to top, double set trigger, fitted with one (of two) ramrod in brass ferrules at side and characteristically curved wood stock with brass butt and side plates, trigger guard and patch container with hinged lid; left of stock with inset silver(?) of a fish or whale which might suggest that this was carried on a whaling ship; action working. 4.10 kg, 124 cm
Acquired from Andrew Spencer Bottomley, UK, 2016. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by copies of the purchase invoice and listing.
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. -
Amarlu Type Bronze Sword with Blood Channels
Late 2nd millenium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
Formed with a long triangular blade, thick midrib with parallel fullers, rectangular guard, long tang with folded end. 668 grams, 73 cm
Acquired on the London art market, prior to 1980s. The Kusmirek Collection, UK.
This sword finds a good parallel with a bronze sword with bell-shaped pommel, today in the National Museum of Tehran. Originally these swords had separately made hilt which was then cast on the blade. These swords were more typical of the North-West Persian territory, especially in the Amlash and Gilan areas.
