Loading, please wait...
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
.jpg)
Roman Bronze Medical Tool Collection
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
Including suture needle, bulbous probe, cosmetic or medical spoon, tweezers and other items, all mounted on a rigid board in a wooden frame. 501 grams, 32.4 x 26.4 cm
with Auktionshaus Owl, Bielefeld, Auction 37, 28 September 2013, no.37609. European private collection. -
Roman Silver Lunar Pendant
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Comprising a crescentic pendant with keeled arms, applied suspension loop. 2.42 grams, 29 mm
Acquired before 1980. Ex property of a South London collector. -
Roman Bronze Punched Tabula Ansata Appliqué
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Rectangular plate with trapezoidal ends, pointillé decoration. 2.5 grams, 45 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
These tabulae ansatae with pointillé decoration were used for votive inscriptions to the gods, offered on the occasion of a vow made during a situation of danger or an invocation of help to the gods. They were often used in the military field. A particularly important example is the one found in Carnuntum dedicated to Jupiter Dolichenus, offered by the centurion Titius Moderatus of the Legio XI Gemina.
