Loading, please wait...
Details
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.
Provenance
Acquired 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.
Published
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.
Literature
Cf. Humer, F., Kremer, G., Pollhammer, E., Pülz, A., AD 313 Von Carnuntum zum Christentum, Bad Voslau, 2014, n.455, for similar typology of fibula.
Footnotes
The 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).
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0863
Large Roman Gilt Bronze Crossbow Brooch Type 2 with Pin
Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Carnelian Eagle Gemstone
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £110
Ellipsoid gemstone with incuse eagle perched on a tripod, a cornucopia and lyre. 0.71 grams, 12 mm
Ex Geneva, Switzerland, collection, 1980s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Fragmentary Roman Glass Bottle Group
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Including unguentaria and other types in iridescent, amber, aqua and other glass. 123 grams total, largest: 13 cm
Acquired on the UK art market. Ex London gallery, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Large Roman Gilt Bronze Crossbow Brooch Type 2 with Pin
300-340 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
With collared onion-knop finials, keeled deep bow and short chamfered foot; pin in situ. 56 grams, 86 mm
Acquired 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.
The 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).
