Ancient Roman, Empire Large Roman horse harness fitting in pelta form – Site of discovery: Carnuntum - with old - 60 mm
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Large Roman horse harness fitting in pierced pelte form from Carnuntum, bronze, 60 × 45 × 7 mm, dating to the 2nd century AD, original and in excellent condition, acquired from a German auction house in 2025 with an old collection label.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Large Roman horse harness ornament in openwork pelte form
Provenance: Carnuntum! - With an old collection label!
Roman Empire, 2nd century AD
Bronze, with two rivet mounts on the back
60 x 45 x 7 mm
The pelte was a small shield associated with the legendary Amazons. Such fittings were mounted on leather straps on the breast collar or bridle of the horse harness. They served as decorative but also had an apotropaic function and were intended to protect the horse and rider. They are often found near the Limes and belong to a military context.
In Carnuntum (in present-day Lower Austria), where this piece was found, Legio XV Apollinaris, later the XIV Gemnia, was stationed. The piece very likely originates from this military context.
One corner worn, otherwise intact, with an old label from the Münzkabinett Funk, Neukeferloh.
Acquired in 2025 in the German art trade, previously since 2016 in the private collection of F. B., Bavaria.
The invoice and the collection label will be provided to the buyer.
Due to strict legal regulations, there is no shipping outside the EU.
Large Roman horse harness ornament in openwork pelte form
Provenance: Carnuntum! - With an old collection label!
Roman Empire, 2nd century AD
Bronze, with two rivet mounts on the back
60 x 45 x 7 mm
The pelte was a small shield associated with the legendary Amazons. Such fittings were mounted on leather straps on the breast collar or bridle of the horse harness. They served as decorative but also had an apotropaic function and were intended to protect the horse and rider. They are often found near the Limes and belong to a military context.
In Carnuntum (in present-day Lower Austria), where this piece was found, Legio XV Apollinaris, later the XIV Gemnia, was stationed. The piece very likely originates from this military context.
One corner worn, otherwise intact, with an old label from the Münzkabinett Funk, Neukeferloh.
Acquired in 2025 in the German art trade, previously since 2016 in the private collection of F. B., Bavaria.
The invoice and the collection label will be provided to the buyer.
Due to strict legal regulations, there is no shipping outside the EU.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
2. Jh. n. Chr.
Name of object
Large Roman horse harness fitting in pelta form – Site of discovery: Carnuntum - with old
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2025
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
60 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
2016
Width
45 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
Depth
7 mm
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.
