Details

LOT 0192

Roman Enamelled Bronze Brooch

1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.

2 1/4 in. (61 grams total, 56 mm including stand).

With raised central boss and peripheral discs with red enamel alternating with openwork loops; the body with a double band of blue, white and red enamelling, separated by ropework bands; remains of pin hinge and catchplate to the reverse; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. [No Reserve]

Provenance

From a private New Jersey collection, 1960-1985.
with Artemis Gallery, Colorado, USA, 8 March 2016, no.45.
Private American collection, New York, USA.

Literature

Cf. Hattatt, R., Ancient and Romano-British Brooches, Sherborne, 1982, p.141 nos.126,129; Melchart, W., Antike Kostbarkeiten aus Osterreichischem privatbesitz, Wien, 1997, fig.43, for the type.

Footnotes

A similar brooch is preserved in the Colchester Museum, and similarly decorated brooch discs are visible in the British Museum and have been found in Chesterholm, Vindolanda and Chepstow. It is a Roman provincial type used by military personnel and their families.