Roman Enamelled Bronze Axe Brooch

Of shallow rectangular form with volute handles, restored. 1.24 kg, 26 cm wide



Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

Comprising a repoussé panel with the nude hero wearing a mantle and killing the beast, a palm of victory underneath his feet, a dog attacking the lion from above, foliage around the scene; two fixing studs to the reverse; accompanied by a frame. 234 grams total, 53 x 37 mm (13 x 13 cm including frame)



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

The belt fitting finds parallels with belt parts from Asia Minor, today in the British Museum, inv. EC 252-254. These kind of plates, decorative and engraved with classical scenes, can possibly be dated to the age of Theodosius I. The quality of decoration can support the thesis that they belonged to the officers of the Comitatus (the Imperial mobile army).

Three onion-knops and pierced decoration to the headplate, facetted bow and footplate with semi-circular cross-section, conjoined peltate border and geometric motifs to the centre, bow with geometric motifs and possibly facing human head; complete with pin and catchplate to reverse. 56 grams, 73 mm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

During the Late Roman period, these brooches were worn as marks of rank both by officers of militia armata and non armata, i.e. military and civilian officers.