Roman Tinned Knife Plate Brooch

£ 170.00

A rare, tinned, bronze plate brooch from ancient Rome, formed as a sickle-shaped knife with stepped handle. The brooch features bands of tremolier ornament to the blade and to the hilt, and has a pin-lug and catchplate to the reverse.

Date: 2nd Century AD
Provenance: From an important collection of jewellery formed over 40 years by a German collector.
Condition: Fine condition. Extremely rare.

SOLD

SKU: AH-232 Category: Tag:

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. The Etruscans were very fond of fibulae, some of which were very large and decorated with elaborate granulation and processions of animals in relief. Roman conquests spread the use of the fibula, which became the basis for more complicated brooches. By the Middle Ages, the Roman safety pin type of fibula had fallen into disuse.

Weight 4 g
Dimensions L 3.7 cm
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