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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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Roman Glass Double Unguentarium
4th-5th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
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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. -
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4th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £650
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Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Private collection, London. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Roman Agate Bust of Artemis Gemstone
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
Plano-convex in form with bust of Artemis above legend 'R A P'. 1.16 grams, 14 mm
Acquired on the German art market, 1989-1995. with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1, UK, 1998-2003. Property of a London based academic, 2003 to present. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
