Western Asiatic Bronze Spearhead

Featuring scooped upper and lower edges, convex cutting edge and round-section socket; mounted on a modern wooden shaft. 2.8 kg, 91.5 cm



From an English collection, acquired 1990s. 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.

Comprising a hoop with reserved triangular ornament on the edges and triangular plaque with foliage motifs, raised central panel with frond motif. 22.61 grams, 34.77 mm overall, 25.16 mm internal diameter



Acquired in the 1990s. Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.

Archer rings in Late Byzantium and the medieval Balkans were connected with the employment of the powerful composite bow, but very often, in the 14th century they served as insignia of rank for aristocratic noblemen. Archaeological findings of archers’ rings originate mainly from fortified towns, including mining centres. Many were made in bone, simple in design and undecorated. In contrast, the ones made in bronze and silver were usually decorated in rather uniform style, consisting of floral motifs on the head, mostly tulip and foliage, and linear motifs around the edges. This decoration combined Turkish, Central European and Eastern Roman traditional patterns.