Ancient Roman Silver Fibula - Romano-British, c.250AD
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 280 - € 350
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Description from the seller
A rare example of a Romano-British silver bow fibula. This piece is functional, and retains its original iron pin and spring, a feature often lost over time. The bow is solid and fairly thick, with simple incised decoration in a cross-hatched zig-zag pattern characteristic of practical Roman design.
The external iron spring remains intact, visible as a coiled, heavily corroded mass at the head, while the long, straight iron pin runs beneath the bow into a the preserved catch plate.
A true window into the material culture of Roman Britain, this fibula combines durability, practical design, and subtle decorative interest.
Specimen Details
Specimen: Decorated Silver bow fibula
Age / Era: Circa 250–300 AD, Mid-Late Roman Period
Material: Silver body with iron pin and spring
Decoration: Incised cross-hatched zig-zag pattern
Origin: Roman Britain (Southern England)
Provenance: ex old Southern English collection, excavated prior to 1996.
Length: 44 mm
Weight: 4.5 g
Type: Non-hinged bow fibula (spring mechanism)
Shipped safely and insured worldwide from the UK.
A rare example of a Romano-British silver bow fibula. This piece is functional, and retains its original iron pin and spring, a feature often lost over time. The bow is solid and fairly thick, with simple incised decoration in a cross-hatched zig-zag pattern characteristic of practical Roman design.
The external iron spring remains intact, visible as a coiled, heavily corroded mass at the head, while the long, straight iron pin runs beneath the bow into a the preserved catch plate.
A true window into the material culture of Roman Britain, this fibula combines durability, practical design, and subtle decorative interest.
Specimen Details
Specimen: Decorated Silver bow fibula
Age / Era: Circa 250–300 AD, Mid-Late Roman Period
Material: Silver body with iron pin and spring
Decoration: Incised cross-hatched zig-zag pattern
Origin: Roman Britain (Southern England)
Provenance: ex old Southern English collection, excavated prior to 1996.
Length: 44 mm
Weight: 4.5 g
Type: Non-hinged bow fibula (spring mechanism)
Shipped safely and insured worldwide from the UK.
Details
Era
Before 1400
Culture
Ancient Roman
Metal
Silver
Century/timeframe
250-300 AD
Acquired from
Private collection
Total weight
4.5 g
Year acquired
2025
Condition
Good condition - used with some signs of wear
Country acquired from
United Kingdom
Country of origin
United Kingdom
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Title additional information
Romano-British, c.250AD
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Previous owner - country acquired from
United Kingdom
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
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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.
