1st century A.D. Substantial cast cupola with socket to the apex; possibly from a field artillery piece. See Marsden, E.A., Greek and Roman Artillery. Historical Development, Oxford, 1969, for discussion; cf.Russo, F., Tormenta, Venti secoli di Artiglieria Meccanica,, Roma, 2002, p.209, fig.51, for the frontal sculpture of a catapult of 1st century A.D. preserved in the Vaticani Musei, fitted with similar bosses. 110 grams, 67 mm (2 5/8 in.).

Reputed to have been excavated near Viables in Hampshire at the end of the 19th century. From the estate of the late Jennifer Simmonds. Acquired from Jacobs & Hunt auctioneers, Petersfield, Hampshire, UK.

The circular umbo does not correspond to any known central shield boss, as it also lacks the lower edge; instead, it finds a good correspondence with the circular bosses that reinforced the lower and upper frame of a catapult, equipped with a central bronze cover. [No Reserve]