Viking Age Iron Axehead

Double-action with .44 calibre six-shot cylinder, hinged frame and loading arm with 15cm (6") barrel; marked 'STARR ARMS CO NEW YORK' to left frame, 'STARR'S PATENT JAN 15 1858' to right, numbered 705 to cylinder and 8795/W to front frame; plain wood grip with illegible stamped inspector mark each side; action slightly weak. 1.12 kg, 29 cm



Acquired from Bottomley Antiques & Armour, 2014. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the Bottomley invoice.

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.

Felt covered steel water bottle of oval cylindrical shape with wood plug stopper with cord retainer and fitted with canvas carry cover and shoulder strap with printed 'H S & CO Ltd ' maker name and War Department 'broad arrow' mark and date. 592 grams, bottle 23.5 cm high



The Kusmirek Collection, UK.

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.