Identifying sling bullets

Lead almonds, some with messages for the enemy.

Cast lead sling bullets (glandes) are almond or olive shaped, typically 30–50 mm long and surprisingly heavy in the hand. Greek and Roman armies used them in quantity, and moulded inscriptions are famous: unit names, commanders, or taunts aimed at the recipient.

Distinguish from musket balls (spherical), fishing weights (pierced or grooved for line), and plough-rolled scrap (shapeless). A true glans shows its cast form — sometimes a faint mould seam — and symmetrical taper to both ends. Baked clay sling shot exists too, from far earlier periods.

Weigh it, measure both axes, and inspect closely for raised letters — even a partial inscription is a significant find. Findspots matter: concentrations can mark a siege or training ground, so record location precisely and privately.

From the guide library inside Collectors Catalogues, a free app for cataloguing antiques and finds with honest, museum-grade records.

More on weapons

Identifying arrow and spearheads — Socket or tang, and section.

Identifying axeheads — Stone, bronze, or iron.

Identifying swords and daggers — Blade, guard, and tang.

Arrowhead types by period — Flint barbs to iron bodkins — which arrowhead is in your hand?

Identifying crossbow bolts and quarrels — Short, heavy, square-headed — the crossbow's ammunition.

Identifying maces and polearm heads — Flanged heads, spiked stars, and the business ends of hafted weapons.

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