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LOT 1409
Roman 'Pompey the Great' Lead Slingshot
1ST CENTURY B.C.
1 5/8 in. (67.5 grams, 42 mm).
Biconical lead slingshot (glans) with inscription in Latin letters 'CN' (Cneius) 'MAG' (Magnus) on one side, and 'IMP' for 'IMPERATOR' (victorious general) to the other side, i.e Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus Imperator (Pompey the Great the victorious general). [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a Spanish collection.
From the collection of an London antiquarian.
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'.
Accompanied by a printed copy of the Spanish cultural export licence 2022/07273.
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 a similar glandes from Zaragoza Museum, the one with the name of Pompey inscribed coming from Munda battlefield.
FootnotesThe shot (Völling type 1C) is marked with the abbreviated name of Gnaeus Pompey; it was used in quantity at the Battle of Monda (or Munda) against Julius Caesar, 17th March 45 BC. The projectiles were made of different materials: lead (glandes) or in pottery or stone (lapides missiles). Sometimes they were signed with the name of the general, like our specimen.
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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Roman 'Pompey the Great' Lead Slingshot
1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £663
Biconical lead slingshot (glans) with inscription in Latin letters 'CN' (Cneius) 'MAG' (Magnus) on one side, and 'IMP' for 'IMPERATOR' (victorious general) to the other side, i.e Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus Imperator (Pompey the Great the victorious general). 67.5 grams, 42 mm
From a Spanish collection. From the collection of an London antiquarian. 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'. Accompanied by a printed copy of the Spanish cultural export licence 2022/07273.
The shot (Völling type 1C) is marked with the abbreviated name of Gnaeus Pompey; it was used in quantity at the Battle of Monda (or Munda) against Julius Caesar, 17th March 45 BC. The projectiles were made of different materials: lead (glandes) or in pottery or stone (lapides missiles). Sometimes they were signed with the name of the general, like our specimen. -
Medieval Iron Axehead
15th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
With square butt, scooped underside and a flared blade. 1.04 kg, 16 cm
Acquired on the UK market before 1992. Ex property of a North London gentleman. -
Viking Age Narrow Iron Axehead
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
With triangular-section long blade extending to a socket with small lateral flanges and rectangular extension to the rear. 229 grams, 12.6 cm
Property of London businessman, from his grandfather's collection after WW2; thence by family descent. From the private collection of John Lawton, Surrey, UK. Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue information page.
