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LOT 0168
Roman Silver Crossbow Brooch
3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 in. (14.6 grams, 46 mm).
Parcel-gilt crossbow brooch with onion-shaped knops to the ends of the headplate and medially along the top edge; deep trapezoidal-section bow with median gusset; D-section footplate with chamfered sides open to one edge; upper part of one face of the bow with niello-filled running scroll design, lower part of the other face with running guilloche; beaded wire collar at the end.
ProvenanceEx N.C. collection.
Acquired on the Swiss art market in 2000.
European private collection.
Cf. Marin, E., Salona Christiana, Split, 1994, no.6 p.220 (inv.no.H5723); Beck, H. et al., Fibel und Fibeltracht, Berlin, 2000, fig.114(1), for similar.
FootnotesCrossbow fibulae of this type were worn by high officers and, if in gold, even emperors, from Constantine to Justinian, as symbols of military rank. These fibulae are an important element in the graves, for the classification of the category of the dead, as belonging to the militia (armed or not); many of them were in gold, or gilded silver, and decorated with an inscription.
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
AUCTIONS:
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