Romano-British Bronze Openwork Celtic Trumpet Brooch

$176.92

A fine Romano-British bronze brooch featuring a heavy and elaborated openwork design. The body curls into a S-shape with a connected central section and expanded terminals, creating an intricate form reminiscent of the Celtic Trumpet. To the reverse, the hinged mechanism remains complete and intact, with the pin retaining some mobility.

Date: Circa AD 150 - 225
Provenance: From a Surrey gentleman's collection (D.G.), purchased on the London Art market from ADA member, 1990s - onwards.
Condition: Excellent condition. The original pin is complete and retains some mobility. Some earthy encrustations remain on the surface.

SOLD

SKU: MG-261 Category: Tags: ,

Fibulae or brooches were originally used in Ancient Greece and in the Roman Empire for fastening garments, such as cloaks or togae. The fibula designs developed into a variety of shapes, but all were based on the safety-pin principle. Most pins were produced from bronze or iron however, precious metals such as gold have been used, owned by those of a higher status to demonstrate their wealth and power.

Brooches as this fine example fall within the ‘Openwork Non-enamelled’ type. Dating between AD 150 -225, these Roman-period brooches are mainly characterised by Celtic traditional motifs in different levels of elaboration. They appear to have been developed in the central European provinces of the Empire, specifically around Germany and Pannonia, with only a few example recovered in Britain or Gaul.

Weight 11.8 g
Dimensions L 4.1 x W 2.5 cm
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