Ancient Roman, Empire Bronze Ancient Roman Legionary Belt Fittings – An Exceptional Collection of Five Bronze Mounts

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Peter Reynaers
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Selected by Peter Reynaers

Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.

Estimate  € 400 - € 450
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Ancient Roman Empire bronze belt fittings, a collection of five different mounts dating to circa 2nd–4th century AD, weighing 4.7–9.1 g and measuring up to 65.5 × 42.4 mm, in Excellent condition.

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Description from the seller

Ancient Roman Legionary Belt Fittings – An Exceptional Collection of Five Bronze Mounts

Circa 2nd–4th Century AD

4.7–9.1 g; up to 65.5 × 42.4 mm

From a Private European Collection

An exceptionally attractive and varied collection of Ancient Roman legionary belt fittings, once forming part of the elaborate military equipment worn by soldiers of the Roman army.

The group comprises five different bronze fittings, including finely profiled and engraved strap mounts, a substantial curved fitting and a particularly fascinating zoomorphic dolphin-shaped mount. Several pieces retain their original attachment holes, through which they were once fastened to the leather belt by means of rivets.

Particularly noteworthy is the long, slightly curved mount with its finely incised geometric and foliate decoration. The unusual dolphin-shaped fitting, with its elegant curved body and elaborate openwork terminal, forms another striking highlight of the collection. Roman dolphin-type military belt mounts are known from the archaeological and antiquities record, although surviving examples appear to be comparatively uncommon. Cf. A&L AA 8.32 for a Roman dolphin-type belt mount with pierced attachment points.

The Roman military belt – generally associated with the cingulum militare – was much more than a purely functional piece of equipment. Its characteristic metal fittings formed an important and highly visible element of a soldier's appearance, reflecting the distinctive identity and status of the Roman military.

Belts and their fittings could serve both practical and decorative purposes, securing and reinforcing the leather elements while creating the elaborate appearance so closely associated with Roman military dress. The variety of forms and ornamentation represented in this collection provides a fascinating insight into the craftsmanship and personal equipment of the Roman soldier.

The pieces display attractive ancient surfaces and patinas, ranging from deep brown to green and reddish tones, with numerous original decorative details still clearly visible.

A highly decorative and unusually varied collection of Roman military belt fittings, combining historical significance, fine craftsmanship and considerable visual appeal. Particularly attractive as a coherent display group and a fascinating survival from the everyday equipment of the Roman legionary.

I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days

Ancient Roman Legionary Belt Fittings – An Exceptional Collection of Five Bronze Mounts

Circa 2nd–4th Century AD

4.7–9.1 g; up to 65.5 × 42.4 mm

From a Private European Collection

An exceptionally attractive and varied collection of Ancient Roman legionary belt fittings, once forming part of the elaborate military equipment worn by soldiers of the Roman army.

The group comprises five different bronze fittings, including finely profiled and engraved strap mounts, a substantial curved fitting and a particularly fascinating zoomorphic dolphin-shaped mount. Several pieces retain their original attachment holes, through which they were once fastened to the leather belt by means of rivets.

Particularly noteworthy is the long, slightly curved mount with its finely incised geometric and foliate decoration. The unusual dolphin-shaped fitting, with its elegant curved body and elaborate openwork terminal, forms another striking highlight of the collection. Roman dolphin-type military belt mounts are known from the archaeological and antiquities record, although surviving examples appear to be comparatively uncommon. Cf. A&L AA 8.32 for a Roman dolphin-type belt mount with pierced attachment points.

The Roman military belt – generally associated with the cingulum militare – was much more than a purely functional piece of equipment. Its characteristic metal fittings formed an important and highly visible element of a soldier's appearance, reflecting the distinctive identity and status of the Roman military.

Belts and their fittings could serve both practical and decorative purposes, securing and reinforcing the leather elements while creating the elaborate appearance so closely associated with Roman military dress. The variety of forms and ornamentation represented in this collection provides a fascinating insight into the craftsmanship and personal equipment of the Roman soldier.

The pieces display attractive ancient surfaces and patinas, ranging from deep brown to green and reddish tones, with numerous original decorative details still clearly visible.

A highly decorative and unusually varied collection of Roman military belt fittings, combining historical significance, fine craftsmanship and considerable visual appeal. Particularly attractive as a coherent display group and a fascinating survival from the everyday equipment of the Roman legionary.

I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days

Details

Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
Circa 2nd–4th Century AD
Name of object
Ancient Roman Legionary Belt Fittings – An Exceptional Collection of Five Bronze Mounts
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2020
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
GermanyVerified
368
Objects sold
Private

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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.

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