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LOT 0642
Late Roman Silver Double-Bow Brooch
3TH-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 7/8 in. (9.33 grams, 48 mm).
A silver sprung-prin or proto-crossbow brooch, the two separate bows joining at the top of the foot and above the spring case. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired before 2000.
From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
Cf. Behrens, G., ‘Zur Typologie und technik der provinzialrömischen Fibeln’ in Jahrb Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum, 1954, pp.220-236, fig.2, no.6, from Worms.
FootnotesThese fibulae were the prototypes from which the crossbow brooch developed. Like crossbow brooch, the structure copmprises two essential parts: the upper part an arched bow and the lower part comprising a fairly long foot with a long and narrow catch-plate.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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Roman Head of a Noble Lady
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £351
A bronze head formed as that of a Roman lady of noble rank, with an oval-shaped face, semi-naturalistic facial features and elaborately dressed hair; hollow reverse. 55.5 grams, 42 mm
Acquired early 2000s. Property of a Birmingham, UK, collector. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Drapery from a Life-Size Statue
1st-2nd century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £975
A bronze drapery fragment modelling the folds of the fabric in relief, presumably once forming part of a larger statue; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 3.1 kg total, 42.2 cm high including stand
Acquired 1980s-early 1990s. Ex private German collection. English private collection. -
Roman Gemstone with Zeus Serapis and Isis
2nd-3rd century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £442
A gem with a representation of Zeus Serapis enthroned, modius on his head, sceptre and eagle by his side, Isis Gubernatrix to his right and Isis sail-bearer to his left, all three figures riding a galley or cargo ship. 0.28 grams, 10 mm
Acquired before 1988. Ex family collection, by descent, Geneva.
This triad formed by Serapis and the two aspects of Isis (Gubernatrix and sail-bearer) aboard a ship, appears in several examples of Alexandrian coinage and gemstones. This imagery is linked to the image of Isis, goddess of the sea, and Serapis, god of vegetation and protector of the sailors.
