[quote=“DocAV”]Not only did the Peltasti ( slingers, in Greek) in the Roman Legions use stones ( selected gravel from river beds) but the cast their own Lead balls, with “headstamp” ( the Number of the Legion they belonged to!!!)
Probably the earliest use if Ammunition Identification in History.
Lead was such a valuable commodity in Roman times ( Water Pipes, roofing seals, shipping use, Sling Balls,) that mining it was a special monopoly, trading in it was taxed, and the penalties for Lead Theft or Trafficking included, in CE times, condemnation to the Arena.
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I have always wanted to buy a sling bullet from the tenth legion. I have only seen one in my life and passed because I thought it was too expensive. I should have bought. I am still looking for a Roman 10th legion bullet or bolt ( called both) marked with their " X ". These are the folks who besieged MASADA.
The question of headstamping is still open. Why?
Obvious that the Roman unit or armorer wanted their work to be known. But it is not clear as to why headstamping on cartridge cases started. Some say the hs work strengthens the head. Some say its purpose is ID.