British Roman Military Bronze Trumpet-Whorl Plate Brooch

The upper part of a Beneficiarius dedicatory spear or sceptre, comprising a circular-section shaft with an ivy leaf finial, a crescent (lunula) below and the point with triple acorn-shaped spheres; the lower end of the shaft square-section and with a rosette for attaching it to the wooden part, engraved with X-motifs and circumferential lines. 62 grams, 49 cm



Found Cambridgeshire, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

The beneficiarii, within the Roman army, were soldiers exempted from menial duties and acting as orderlies of senior officers; they were also charged with particular duties by governors and generals. Their distinctive insignia were decorated spears, often with a point shaped like an ivy leaf. The military stela from Perinth depicting a 3rd century beneficiarius shows a very similar spear, mounted over a particular structure on the midshaft of the spear.

Triangular with dense block of floral-scroll motifs, beaded borders; pierced at the angle for attachment. 5.57 grams, 58 mm



Private collection formed in the 1990s. Acquired from a central London gallery. Property of an Essex gentleman.

By the second half of the 4th century, broad Roman military belts were decorated with chip-carved mounts and plates. The fittings were realised by punching or by chip carving different patterns and motifs.

Mixed group including a bird plate brooch, disc brooch, knee brooch and other types. 39 grams total, 19-45 mm



Found Wiltshire, UK. Property of a Durham, UK, gentleman.