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 with pin hinges, spring hinges or ring brooches. Although the fantail was already in existence on rosettes and aesicas, the spring gear within this type of brooch suggests it was invented in the later half of the first century.
Roman Bronze Bow-and-Fantail Brooch
£ 95.00
A Roman bronze bow-and-fantail brooch featuring a slightly arched bow leading to a flat fantail leg. The fantail is enriched with a punch-marked dotted triangle within. Below the head is a coiled spring from which the pin extends out and rests in the catch plate. The pin is secured in place with glue as the spring has separated and become loose.
Provenance: From an important European private collection, 1980s-2000s.
Condition: Fine condition, some glue residue on the catch plate from where the pin is held in place due to brake in the spring.
In stock
Weight | 9.9 g |
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Dimensions | L 3.8 x W 1.7 cm |
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