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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.).
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Limestone Ballista Catapult Shot
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £176
Suitable for use with an onager or other catapult-type siege weapon; with roughened, abrasive surface. 1.5 kg, 97 mm
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.
The 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.). -
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Luristan Bronze Socketted Axehead
Circa 13th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Featuring an oval-shaped socket, straight upper edge and curved lower edge with slightly convex cutting edge. 1.2 kg, 14.5 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
Unadorned weapons, especially axes, adzes and picks, were made by Luristan craftsmen using simple clay or stone bivalve moulds, into which was inserted a core to form the socket for the shaft. Typically, the metallic composition consisted of a combination of arsenical bronze and copper, together with a small percentage of lead. -
Medieval 'Thames' Iron Rowel Spur
15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Composed of an arched heelband, hanging studs and buckle, together with a multi-armed rowel. 104 grams, 14.5 cm
Found in the Thames foreshore at Queenshithe. Acquired from Rusty Old Arms, 2014. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by an ROA invoice and listing.
