Ancient Greek Lead Sling Projectile with Trident of Poseidon

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Peter Reynaers
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Estimate  € 280 - € 350
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Ancient Greek lead sling projectile of almond shape with a low-relief Trident of Poseidon, circa 3rd–1st century BC, measuring 3.1 cm by 1.6 cm, in Good condition and authentic as Original/official, from the Cambridge collection provenance (1990s) and acquired in 2000.

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Description from the seller

An ancient Greek sling projectile cast from lead. The piece features an almond shape for the best aerodynamic efficiency. A low relief trident, symbol of Greek god of the seas, Poseidon, decorates one face of the projectile. The surface is worn and covered in patina and encrustation.

These small, aerodynamic projectiles, also known as ‘glandes’, were used by ancient Greek and Roman slingers. Cast in moulds, they often carried inscriptions or symbols linked to identity, insults or religion. Common examples included thunderbolts (associated with Zeus), laurel wreaths, names of the commanders and cities, or taunts such as ‘ΔΕΞΑΙ’ (which translates as ‘catch’ or ‘take this’). The dense weight of these projectiles gave them deadly speed and range in battle. Many archaeological finds of such items have been recovered in ancient battlefields, revealing tactics, troop movements, and ancient military communication.

Measurements: (circa) L 3.1cm - W 1.6cm

Provenance: Ex. Cambridge collection, 1990s.

Seller's Story

N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE. ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price. Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees. Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images. The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

An ancient Greek sling projectile cast from lead. The piece features an almond shape for the best aerodynamic efficiency. A low relief trident, symbol of Greek god of the seas, Poseidon, decorates one face of the projectile. The surface is worn and covered in patina and encrustation.

These small, aerodynamic projectiles, also known as ‘glandes’, were used by ancient Greek and Roman slingers. Cast in moulds, they often carried inscriptions or symbols linked to identity, insults or religion. Common examples included thunderbolts (associated with Zeus), laurel wreaths, names of the commanders and cities, or taunts such as ‘ΔΕΞΑΙ’ (which translates as ‘catch’ or ‘take this’). The dense weight of these projectiles gave them deadly speed and range in battle. Many archaeological finds of such items have been recovered in ancient battlefields, revealing tactics, troop movements, and ancient military communication.

Measurements: (circa) L 3.1cm - W 1.6cm

Provenance: Ex. Cambridge collection, 1990s.

Seller's Story

N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE. ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price. Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees. Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images. The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

Details

Culture
Ancient Greek
Century/timeframe
Circa 3rd-1st century BC
Name of object
Sling Projectile with Trident of Poseidon
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2000
Material
Lead
Country acquired from
Unknown
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
United KingdomVerified
9548
Objects sold
100%
protop

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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

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