Fibulae or brooches were originally purposed as garment fasteners in the Roman Empire. Roman soldiers especially, wore fibulae as a decorative piece to keep their cloaks together. These brooches replaced straight pins that were used to fasten clothing in the Neolithic period and the Bronze Age. Fibulae are the most common artefact-type in burials and settlements throughout much of the continental Europe. Their modern-day equivalent are the trustworthy safety pin.
Ancient Roman Bronze ‘Glastonbury’ Type Brooch
£ 125.00
A fine Roman ‘Glastonbury’ type two-piece mechanism bronze brooch, influenced by the La Tène II style. It features an arched bow connected to an axis bar with a separate spring coiled three times on either side. The bow is adorned with a series of geometric patterns, including three circular etchings at both the top and bottom. Running down the centre of the bow are two vertical lines of carefully incised dots, with two slightly larger circular motifs placed symmetrically on either side at the centre. The lower section of the bow is further embellished with four evenly spaced raised ribs, and the gap between the first and second ribs is marked by fine horizontal linear etchings. The pin tapers to a sharp point and sits within an elongated, rounded catch plate, now fixed in place. The brooch is covered in a rich patina.
Provenance: From an important European private collection, 1980s-2000s.
Condition: Very fine condition, deep green patina visible across the surface.
SOLD
| Weight | 22.62 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | W 2.4 x H 6.2 cm |
| Culture | |
| Metal | |
| Region |
