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LOT 1195
Roman Marble Ballista Catapult Shot
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
4 in. (1.4 kg, 10 cm).
Suitable for use with an onager or other catapult-type siege weapon; with smooth 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:
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Viking Rus Silver-Gilt Sword Belt End Group
10th century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £120
Comprising four sword belt strap ends of roughly rectangular form, with one rounded or gabled end and one fishtail end, each bearing a different nielloed decorative scheme, comprising: one with split front plate bearing geometric foliage framed by radiating lines to the perimeter; one with pelletted border and medial scrolled bar; one displaying a medial row of circular recesses and surrounding circular motifs; one decorated with five medial circular recesses on a ground of foliate forms, pellet border; all with a set of mounting lugs to the reverse. 34 grams total, 37-50 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Ex an important central London gallery, London W1.
During the medieval period, belts had a range of functions. They girdled the clothes and enabled suspension of small items such as knives, whetstones, purses and leather bags. The decoration of the belt depended on the social status of its owner: peasants wore woven and simple leather straps, whereas large feudal lords, prominent warriors, and princes wore golden belts, which were passed down through the generations. -
Viking Age Iron Sword with Five-Lobed Pommel
10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,550
Of Petersen Type S variant with a double-edged blade, shallow fullers and a rounded point; boat-shaped upper and lower guard with some remains of silver inlay, the pommel also showing traces of silver decoration. 1.3 kg, 87.5 cm
The structure of the blade is still homogenous but presents delamination on various part, corrosion damage along the edge and deep corrosion and pitting due to permanence in the water.
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector. 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 search certificate number no.11756 - 202774.
Viking swords of Type S are commonly found in Nordic countries and in Eastern Europe, with only a small number found in Western Europe. The type was often characterised by splendid decoration achieved with silver and copper inlays, of which here some traces are still visible. -
Greek Bronze Arrowhead Group
5th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Mainly comprising socketted arrowheads of triangular type, including at least one barbed and one tanged example. 213 grams total, 32-56 mm
Ex private collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.
