A ROMANO-BRITISH CROSSBOW FIBULA & ANNULAR BROOCH
SOUTHERN ENGLAND, C. 3RD - 4TH CENTURY A.D.
African & Oceanic Art, Natural History and Ancient Art
Auction: 30 July 2025 from 14:00 BST
Estimate: £150 - £250
Description
bronze crossbar with decorative indentations and three onion-shaped buttons foot with notches on the lower edges and a needle sheath down the side, which served as the pin stop; also included is a medieval annular brooch, c. 12th-14th century AD (2)
Dimensions
largest 7.5cm long
Provenance
In a private UK collection since the mid-19th century and thence by descent
Footnote
The Crossbow brooch appeared in Britain in the 3rd century AD and is identifiable by its high bow and long tail. They were used to fasten a cloak on the shoulder and were seen as a symbol of rank by imperial servants and soldiers in the Roman army.