Late Roman Bronze Bird Terminal

Comprising a repoussé panel with the nude hero wearing a mantle and killing the beast, a palm of victory underneath his feet, a dog attacking the lion from above, foliage around the scene; two fixing studs to the reverse; accompanied by a frame. 234 grams total, 53 x 37 mm (13 x 13 cm including frame)



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

The belt fitting finds parallels with belt parts from Asia Minor, today in the British Museum, inv. EC 252-254. These kind of plates, decorative and engraved with classical scenes, can possibly be dated to the age of Theodosius I. The quality of decoration can support the thesis that they belonged to the officers of the Comitatus (the Imperial mobile army).

Comprising: an iron Alesia-type brooch with deep tapering bow, long foot with recurved integral knop, curled hinge; the type of Gaulish origin; mounted on a custom-made display panel stand with Hattatt collection description and further information on a label to the reverse; inked collection number to the reverse of the bow; the other a bronze trumpet brooch with moulded arc decorations on the head, sprung pin moving freely, tapering body with acanthus motif; horizontal ribbing and zigzag motifs, plain underfoot; retaining swivel chain loop with traces of red enamel; collection number to the reverse of the bow. 25.6 grams total, 63-70 mm (82 grams total, 85 mm high including stand)



Alesia type found near Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, UK; trumpet type found in Northamptonshire, UK.

Hattatt remarks of the Alesia brooch: 'In remarkably fine condition for iron, this could well have been worn by one of the Roman invaders.'

Formed free-standing with stylised anatomical detailing; including one example on a base. 47 grams total, 22-33 mm



‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.