Ancient Roman enamelled cruciform brooch - large size
17
days
07
hours
15
minutes
46
seconds
Current bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 450 - € 550
2 other people are watching this object
 | €1 |
|---|
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 133090 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Ancient Roman enamelled cruciform brooch in large size, circa 125–200 AD, in good condition with a dark olive-green patina, measuring about 53.8 × 52.5 mm, complete with spring and catchplate though the pin is missing, authenticity original/official, certificate available on request, acquired in 2025 from Belgium and previously from a dealer at a fair.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
A complex enamelled large cruciform disc brooch from the Northern Gaul and Rhine region. The centre of the brooch features a large central disc surrounded by four smaller circular terminals, forming a cross shape. Each section is decorated with concentric circles and ring-and-dot motifs, typical of provincial Roman craftsmanship blended with Germanic influences.
-> Found across the Roman provinces in Gaul and Germania, these brooches reflect the mix of Roman craftsmanship with local tribal styles. They are valued for their artistry and insights into cultural blending in the late Roman world.
Size: ± 53,8 x 52,5 mm
Good solid condition, attractive and smooth dark olive-green patina, some remains of enamel. Complete with spring and catchplate, pin is missing. Surface wear consistent with age and use.
Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format).
-> Brooches were essential parts of dress in both the Roman provinces and the neighbouring Germanic regions. They served to fasten garments such as cloaks and mantles, but also acted as visible indicators of identity, status, and regional style. During the later Roman period and into the Migration era, brooch forms became increasingly varied, often showing strong local preferences while still drawing on wider imperial influences.
Cross-shaped and equal-armed brooches belong to this broader development in personal adornment. Their bold outlines and circular stamped decoration made them visually striking when worn, while their construction remained practical and durable. Objects such as this illustrate the close cultural contact between the Gallo-Roman world and Germanic communities, where artistic forms and dress accessories moved across regions and traditions.
Seller's Story
Please read our information carefully.
*SHIPPING INFO Due to insurance procedures, combined shipping is only possible with a single payment. (1 payment reference = 1 insured parcel.) If you accept an offer after the auction and pay separately, shipments cannot be manually combined afterward. Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct before paying. Changes made after payment are not automatically forwarded to us.
* CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) For insurance purposes we can provide a digital Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) for every item with a hammer price of Euro 100 or more. The COA is available upon request within 20 days of the auction date. Instructions will be provided when your order is shipped. Certificates are not included in the package.
* INSURANCE & CLAIMS All our parcels are shipped with external insurance. This insurance requires the following:
-> Monitor the online tracking and notify delays to the seller within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note and report the damage to the seller via the Catawiki online chat within 24 hours. Keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* MARGIN SCHEME: All our sales are subject to the margin scheme; therefore, no VAT is charged or shown on our invoices.
* IMPORTANT BUYERS OUTSIDE THE EU: We cannot ship to countries outside the European Union. Please ensure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. No exceptions can be made. Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU.
* DOCUMENTATION NOTICE: Previous invoices and import/export documents will not be shared with customers.
----------------------
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck with your bids!
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
A complex enamelled large cruciform disc brooch from the Northern Gaul and Rhine region. The centre of the brooch features a large central disc surrounded by four smaller circular terminals, forming a cross shape. Each section is decorated with concentric circles and ring-and-dot motifs, typical of provincial Roman craftsmanship blended with Germanic influences.
-> Found across the Roman provinces in Gaul and Germania, these brooches reflect the mix of Roman craftsmanship with local tribal styles. They are valued for their artistry and insights into cultural blending in the late Roman world.
Size: ± 53,8 x 52,5 mm
Good solid condition, attractive and smooth dark olive-green patina, some remains of enamel. Complete with spring and catchplate, pin is missing. Surface wear consistent with age and use.
Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format).
-> Brooches were essential parts of dress in both the Roman provinces and the neighbouring Germanic regions. They served to fasten garments such as cloaks and mantles, but also acted as visible indicators of identity, status, and regional style. During the later Roman period and into the Migration era, brooch forms became increasingly varied, often showing strong local preferences while still drawing on wider imperial influences.
Cross-shaped and equal-armed brooches belong to this broader development in personal adornment. Their bold outlines and circular stamped decoration made them visually striking when worn, while their construction remained practical and durable. Objects such as this illustrate the close cultural contact between the Gallo-Roman world and Germanic communities, where artistic forms and dress accessories moved across regions and traditions.
Seller's Story
Please read our information carefully.
*SHIPPING INFO Due to insurance procedures, combined shipping is only possible with a single payment. (1 payment reference = 1 insured parcel.) If you accept an offer after the auction and pay separately, shipments cannot be manually combined afterward. Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct before paying. Changes made after payment are not automatically forwarded to us.
* CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) For insurance purposes we can provide a digital Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) for every item with a hammer price of Euro 100 or more. The COA is available upon request within 20 days of the auction date. Instructions will be provided when your order is shipped. Certificates are not included in the package.
* INSURANCE & CLAIMS All our parcels are shipped with external insurance. This insurance requires the following:
-> Monitor the online tracking and notify delays to the seller within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note and report the damage to the seller via the Catawiki online chat within 24 hours. Keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* MARGIN SCHEME: All our sales are subject to the margin scheme; therefore, no VAT is charged or shown on our invoices.
* IMPORTANT BUYERS OUTSIDE THE EU: We cannot ship to countries outside the European Union. Please ensure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. No exceptions can be made. Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU.
* DOCUMENTATION NOTICE: Previous invoices and import/export documents will not be shared with customers.
----------------------
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck with your bids!
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
125-200 AD
Name of object
enamelled cruciform brooch - large size
Acquired from
Dealer at a fair
Year acquired
2025
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Dealer at a fair
Previous owner - year acquired
2025
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
