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LOT 0632
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.
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
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.
FootnotesDuring 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.
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
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Roman Gold Amulet Case with Granular Decoration
4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £211
Composed of a cylindrical body with suspension loop to top, single and pyramid granule clusters and wavy filigree wire to body. 3.19 grams, 35 mm
From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK. -
Roman Bronze Openwork Mount Group
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Comprising: a cruciform mount with concentric crosses and remains of four mounting lugs to reverse; a quatrefoil mount composed of lunate forms radiating from a central circle, four mounting lugs to reverse. 27.4 grams total, 29-42 mm
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Roman Silver-Gilt Military Belt Plate with Hercules Killing the Nemean Lion
4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
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).
