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LOT 0863
Large Roman Gilt Bronze Crossbow Brooch Type 2 with Pin
300-340 A.D.
3 3/8 in. (56 grams, 86 mm).
With collared onion-knop finials, keeled deep bow and short chamfered foot; pin in situ.
ProvenanceAcquired in Switzerland, 1997.
Private collection, Europe.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Exhibited at the Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 12th March-9th June 2025; accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the artefacts on display.
LiteratureCf. Humer, F., Kremer, G., Pollhammer, E., Pülz, A., AD 313 Von Carnuntum zum Christentum, Bad Voslau, 2014, n.455, for similar typology of fibula.
FootnotesThe typology of the so-called crossbow fibulae was used mainly among the military (militia armata), but was also employed by members of the ‘unarmed’ civil administration (militia non armata). They can be differentiated by their material of construction, which reflected the status of the wearer. The crossbow fibulae developed mainly between the end of the 3rd and the beginning of the 4th century A.D. Seven distinct types can be identified, based on size, decoration, material, etc. The more massive ones, usually in bronze, are usually pertinent to the 3rd and 4th centuries, and correspond to types 1 to 4 (here type 2).
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0863
Large Roman Gilt Bronze Crossbow Brooch Type 2 with Pin
Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
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Late Roman Hinged Lidded Pyxis
4th-5th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Sheet-bronze two-part pyxis with carinated sidewall to the base, lid with reserved octofoil on a pounced field, concentric pointillé rings; working hinge mechanism. 64 grams, 86 mm
Acquired in the 1990s. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Roman Cast Glass Dish
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,040
With shallow convex body and slightly inturned rim; iridescent surface. 161 grams, 16.5 cm
From an important London collection of glass, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Roman Silver Votive Plaque with Hercules
2nd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £700 - 900 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £350
Tongue-shaped with central repoussé motif of Hercules standing nude on a plinth supporting his club and with lionskin mantle draped over his bent forearm; rectangular frame surrounding; traces of similar frames to both sides; six holes for attachment. 30 grams, 99 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The panel has clearly been cut from a larger sheet of silver which was stamped with figures low-relief figures: to the left of Hercules is a frame with fronds at the top and the bent arms of a figure wearing a palla.
