Roman Military Bronze Horse Harness Plates

CIRCA 3RD CENTURY A.D.

3 1/2 - 5 1/2 in. (100 grams total, 9-14 cm).

Comprising: a broad flat-section tongue-shaped panel with incised linear detailing and punched-points, rows of domed rivets, openwork slots and other shapes; a hole at the apex with strap junction, small attachment panel to reverse; rectangular end-plate similarly decorated with articulating slots to one edge to accept a securing pin. [2, No Reserve]

Provenance

Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s.
Westminster collection, central London, UK

Literature

Cf. similar elements in Engelhardt, F., Sonderjyske og Fynske Mosefund, Bind I-III, Copenhagen, 1869 (1969), pl.XIII (Vimose), especially no.45.

Footnotes

The strap harness, probably destined for the muzzle of the horse, or maybe part of a belt, belongs to forms of fittings for straps and belts of the Roman era found in the Danish bogs. Almost all feature attachments on the reverse side to secure the strap. Some bronze examples were decorated, on the front, with mosaic and enamel, inserted in the openwork perforations. These elements, judging by their form and craftsmanship, are of Romano-barbaric origin.

CONDITION

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Roman Horse Harness

LOT 1350