In the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome, fibulae (or brooches) were originally used for fastening garments. They came in a variety of shapes, but all were based on the safety pin principle. Roman conquests spread the use of the fibula, which became the basis for more complicated brooches. The sub-penannular type have mainly been found in Central Europe. It derived from the penannular type with the adaptation strengthening the entirety of the brooch. Having the ring connected meant the brooch couldn’t be easily twisted or bent through lack of care or by accident. The flat extension at the base allowed the pin to move freely around the edge rather than being stuck in one position. This transitional type permitted for the Quoit type to be founded by creating a thicker ring with a smaller V-shape gap.
Late Roman Bronze Sub-Penannular Brooch
£ 225.00
A Late Roman bronze sub-penannular brooch featuring a circular form with a V-shaped gap at the bottom. This brooch is half-way between a penannular brooch and the Quoit type. It is not fully an incomplete ring as the horizontal bar at the base links the shape together. There are two protruding terminals on either side of the V-shape and the free-moving pin can move along the entirety of the brooch. The reverse is flat and unworked.
Provenance: From an important European private collection, 1980s-2000s.
Condition: Very fine condition, patination covers the surface.
In stock
| Weight | 32.1 g |
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| Dimensions | L 6.2 x W 4.7 cm |
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