Visigothic Radiate-Headed Bronze Bow Brooch

Sturdy D-section hoop with a shield on each shoulder, scrolls above, circular bezel with scrolls on a hatched background and a rosette at the centre. 10.35 grams, 24.50 mm overall, 17.92 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Comprising: D-section loop with gilt curved beak at each end, cell with inset garnet cabochon; D-section tongue with bird-head finial to the forward edge, faceted band at the rear; rectangular gilt plate with border, bands of repoussé scroll motifs and five cells with inset garnet cabochons, recurved backplate with roves. 101 grams, 11.2 cm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13271-253199.

A similar silver buckle was found in female burial 4 at Lucistoe, belonging to the Gothic-Alan necropolis. These buckles fastened the waist belts of deceased noblewomen, who must have belonged to the aristocracy of these foederati of the Eastern Empire.

With a thick penannular loop and polyhedral finial set with twelve garnet cloisons, some detached. 6.36 grams, 34 mm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.