Greek or Roman Lead Sling Bullet with Scorpion and Thunderbolt
Opens tomorrow
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 250 - € 330
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Description from the seller
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
Greek or Roman 'whistling' lead sling projectile (fustibalus or fascinus) showing a scorpion on one side and Thunderbolt design on the other side.
As the scorpion is known for its venomous sting, the scorpion could symbolized danger and lethal power. Sling bullets with depictions such as these are very rare, especially in this good condition.
Size: ± 27,1 x 19,2 x 13,9 mm
Condition: good and solid condition, fantastic example with clear depictions. Signs of wear consistent with age and use.
Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format).
Lead cast slingshots were hurled by the soldiers (Funditori) from a small pouch between two lengths of cord. It was a simple, inexpensive but very effective weapon.
Very often, symbols or writings were moulded into lead sling-bullets to serve as psychological warfare. A scorpion is a reminder of how a sling might strike without warning, similar to a real scorpion.
Many other examples have been found: a stylized lightning bolt, snakes, the name of the military unit or commander. messages invoking a god, insults or wishing injury upon the targets.
Seller's Story
Please read our information carefully.
*SHIPPING INFO Due to insurance procedures, combined shipping is only possible with a single payment. (1 payment reference = 1 insured parcel.) If you accept an offer after the auction and pay separately, shipments cannot be manually combined afterward. Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct before paying. Changes made after payment are not automatically forwarded to us.
* CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) For insurance purposes we can provide a digital Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) for every item with a hammer price of Euro 100 or more. The COA is available upon request within 20 days of the auction date. Instructions will be provided when your order is shipped. Certificates are not included in the package.
* INSURANCE & CLAIMS All our parcels are shipped with external insurance. This insurance requires the following:
-> Monitor the online tracking and notify delays within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note, keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* IMPORTANT BUYERS OUTSIDE THE EU: We cannot ship to countries outside the European Union. Please ensure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. No exceptions can be made. Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU.
* DOCUMENTATION NOTICE: Previous invoices and import/export documents will not be shared with customers.
----------------------
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck with your bids!
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
Greek or Roman 'whistling' lead sling projectile (fustibalus or fascinus) showing a scorpion on one side and Thunderbolt design on the other side.
As the scorpion is known for its venomous sting, the scorpion could symbolized danger and lethal power. Sling bullets with depictions such as these are very rare, especially in this good condition.
Size: ± 27,1 x 19,2 x 13,9 mm
Condition: good and solid condition, fantastic example with clear depictions. Signs of wear consistent with age and use.
Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format).
Lead cast slingshots were hurled by the soldiers (Funditori) from a small pouch between two lengths of cord. It was a simple, inexpensive but very effective weapon.
Very often, symbols or writings were moulded into lead sling-bullets to serve as psychological warfare. A scorpion is a reminder of how a sling might strike without warning, similar to a real scorpion.
Many other examples have been found: a stylized lightning bolt, snakes, the name of the military unit or commander. messages invoking a god, insults or wishing injury upon the targets.
Seller's Story
Please read our information carefully.
*SHIPPING INFO Due to insurance procedures, combined shipping is only possible with a single payment. (1 payment reference = 1 insured parcel.) If you accept an offer after the auction and pay separately, shipments cannot be manually combined afterward. Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct before paying. Changes made after payment are not automatically forwarded to us.
* CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) For insurance purposes we can provide a digital Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) for every item with a hammer price of Euro 100 or more. The COA is available upon request within 20 days of the auction date. Instructions will be provided when your order is shipped. Certificates are not included in the package.
* INSURANCE & CLAIMS All our parcels are shipped with external insurance. This insurance requires the following:
-> Monitor the online tracking and notify delays within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note, keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* IMPORTANT BUYERS OUTSIDE THE EU: We cannot ship to countries outside the European Union. Please ensure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. No exceptions can be made. Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU.
* DOCUMENTATION NOTICE: Previous invoices and import/export documents will not be shared with customers.
----------------------
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck with your bids!
Details
Culture
Greek or Roman
Century/ Timeframe
4th century BC - 1st century AD
Name of object
Sling Bullet with Scorpion and Thunderbolt
Acquired from
Antique market
Year acquired
2025
Material
Lead
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
2025
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
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.
