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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:
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Roman Bronze Crossbow Brooch Group
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Each with onion-shaped knops to the head, deep bow and footplate with decorative detailing. 147 grams total, 65-82 mm
UK art market, acquired prior to 1980. Property of a Scottish collector, acquired in 2013. -
Roman Terracotta Lamp with Fighting Gladiators
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £417
Composed of a discoid body with sunken discus bearing a scene of two gladiators in combat in relief, tabula ansata below, ring handle and roughly D-shaped nozzle with volutes; old crack to base. 84 grams, 12.4 cm
From a German collection. Ex Cambridge, UK, collection, 1980s.
The two gladiators seem to be wearing the armaturae of murmillones. All gladiators began their career as provocatores; the learning of their combat technique was polyvalent and allowed the fighters to specialise as a large shield-bearer (the scutati) like murmillones, or as a small shield-bearer, parmati, like the oplomachus. -
Roman Carnelian Hare Amulet
Circa 1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
Carved in the round with sockets to the eyes for insertion of a contrasting material; mounted in a wooden stand. 19 grams total, 27 mm
French private collection. UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.
