Loading, please wait...
LOT 0757
Roman Bronze Crossbow Brooch
4TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/2 in. (64 grams total, 90 mm).
With onion-knop terminals, carinated bow with a median band of guilloche decoration; the footplate with ring-and-dot decoration to each end, central guilloche panel with chamfered sides; hinged pin and pierced catch-plate to reverse. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceProperty of a Gloucestershire, UK, collector.
Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Beck, H. et al., Fibel und Fibeltracht, Berlin, 2000, fig.119(7), for type.
FootnotesThe piercing runs through both the body and catchplate. Such alterations, for the attachment of a securing chain or thong, are not uncommon on heavy brooches, but the hole is usually restricted to the reverse (the catch).
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:
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.
-
Roman Bronze Dolphin Statuette
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Modelled in the round with scale detailing, pellet eyes, rectangular mounting lug. 25.4 grams, 44 mm
Property of the vendor's grandfather, thence by family descent, circa 1985. From the private collection of a New York, USA gentleman. -
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Hare
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Intaglio profile image of a hare running on a baseline. 0.28 grams, 9 mm
Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman. -
.jpg)
Roman Bronze Horse Head Whorl Brooch
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Swastika-shaped fibula with horse-head decoration, each head with punched ring-and-dot eye, a similar motif to the centre. 16.7 grams, 45 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
In the 3rd century A.D., several examples of fibulae in the shape of four horses’ heads forming a swastika (type Almgren 232) seem to be related to the creation of the Illyrian cavalry corps in Roman army. Many examples of these military fibulae were found in ancient Roman Dacia (Romania), in Roman Illyricum and Moesia.
