Roman Bronze Axe Brooch

A single-handled mould-blown pitcher, doubling as a sprinkler flask, the inner diaphragm at the junction of the neck and body with a small piercing to restrict the flow of liquid from the vessel; twenty individual ribs which radiate upwards from the pontil mark on the base towards the neck; flared and rolled rim, handle applied separately at the end of the process, formed from folded glass creating a scrollwork effect; one face of the pitcher shows the original rich green glass colour, while the other side has an area of milky oxidation. 191 grams, 13.5 cm



Originally in an old English collection. Ex property of a Florida, USA, gentleman.

Scholars sometimes call this rare type a 'squash glass', the reason for which is apparent when viewing the piece from beneath.

Carved in the round pendant of a female bust with the hair bound in a chignon; transverse piercing at the top. 4.03 grams, 26.3 mm



From the collection of a Buckinghamshire, UK, collector established from the earlier 1960s.

Comprising a hexagonal-section crossbar with collars and bulb finials, slot for a hinged pin, trapezoid-section bow, rectangular foot with incised geometric ornament, catch to the reverse; socket at top of bow to accept a separate knop. 15.8 grams, 50 mm



Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

This is a very early form of crossbow brooch, showing very clearly its origin in the mid-Roman P-shaped bow brooch.