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LOT 0938
Roman Bronze Crossbow Brooch
4TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/4 in. (51.5 grams, 84 mm).
With three facetted onion-shaped knops to the headplate and pierced scrolls to the upper face, deep bow, rectangular footplate with chamfered sides and scroll detailing, hinged pin to reverse and catch to rear of footplate.
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Bayley, J. & Butcher, S., Roman Brooches in Britain: A Technological and Typological Study based on the Richborough Collection, London, 2004, items 289, 290, for type.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Green Glass Double Balsamarium
4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Comprising two parallel tubes joined at the base and sides, each with flared rim and covered with fine glass trails, applied lateral loops to the rim and handle above; iridescent aqua glass; handle absent; accompanied by a group of handle fragments. 175 grams total, 2.3-17.2 cm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections, primarily before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. -
Roman Silver-Gilt Triple Bow Brooch
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
P-shaped bow brooch with crossbar and knop above, bow in three parallel bars, triangular-section waisted foot and carinated leaf-shaped finial; hinged pin and catch to reverse. 11.8 grams, 47 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Bronze Military Knee Brooch Collection
2nd-3rd centuries A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Comprising examples with sprung pins or hinged pins and catch plates to reverses. 66 grams total, 29-39 mm
Ex property of an Austrian private collector since the 1970s.
The knee brooches, especially in Britain, are connected to military sites, like the Hadrian’s Wall. The British types evolved after the continental versions appeared in Britannia, possibly having been imported by Noricum’s soldiers.