Roman Gilt Bronze Crossbow Brooch

CIRCA MID 4TH-EARLY 5TH CENTURY A.D.

2 7/8 in. (56 grams, 73 mm).

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.

Provenance

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

Literature

Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 1999.42, for a similar example; PAS DUR-57B5D5, in Leahy, K. and Lewis, M., Finds Identified II, London, 2020, p.30.

Footnotes

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.

CONDITION

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LOT 0632