Early medieval Fibula, Frankish Merovingian Raven Brooch with Garnet Inlays
13
days
18
hours
46
minutes
36
seconds
Current bid
€ 28
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 600 - € 750
 | €28 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €25 | |
 | €1 |
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A silver Frankish Merovingian Raven brooch with garnet inlays, dating to the 6th–7th century AD, about 32.3 mm long, in good solid condition, acquired from a dealer at a fair in the Netherlands in 2026, with original/authentic status and a certificate of authenticity available on request for hammer prices €100 or higher, and EU shipping only.
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 finely detailed silver Frankish Merovingian stylised Raven brooch. The curved beak and body are defined by incised geometric panels. The wings are ornamented with linear and lozenge motifs. The eye and tail are set with a polished red glass or garnet stone.
Brooches of this type are characteristic of early Frankish and Merovingian craftsmanship, symbolising status and possibly serving an apotropaic (protective) function.
Length: ± 32.3 mm
Good and solid condition. The reverse retains the pin-lug and catchplate, pin is missing. Minimal remains of gilding are present. Signs of wear consistent with age and use.
Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request for all lots with a hammer price of €100 or higher.
-> Ravens: these majestic creatures, known as Odin’s ravens, are powerful symbols representing wisdom, knowledge, power, and magic.
Ravens have a complex symbolism and are often associated with loss and ill omen, but also represent prophecy and insight.
The raven was widely used in the early Medieval period (Migration period) by Germanic tribes (Goths, Franks, Merovingians and Anglo-Saxons) and in the Viking period.
In Norse culture the raven is a sacred symbol of Wodan / Odin, also known as the Raven God. Raven banners were used by Ragnar Lothbrok (Reafan) and King Harald Hardrada.
In several ancient cultures and mythology, ravens are messengers of the gods and connect the material world with the world of spirits.
Catawiki disclaimer:
This object has been carefully examined for its material and surface characteristics.
Laboratory analysis (e.g. XRF) is not routinely undertaken in private collecting, and destructive testing is avoided as it causes permanent damage to archaeological material.
Before modern hallmarking, gold and silver alloys varied depending on local resources, recycling practices and economic conditions.
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 finely detailed silver Frankish Merovingian stylised Raven brooch. The curved beak and body are defined by incised geometric panels. The wings are ornamented with linear and lozenge motifs. The eye and tail are set with a polished red glass or garnet stone.
Brooches of this type are characteristic of early Frankish and Merovingian craftsmanship, symbolising status and possibly serving an apotropaic (protective) function.
Length: ± 32.3 mm
Good and solid condition. The reverse retains the pin-lug and catchplate, pin is missing. Minimal remains of gilding are present. Signs of wear consistent with age and use.
Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request for all lots with a hammer price of €100 or higher.
-> Ravens: these majestic creatures, known as Odin’s ravens, are powerful symbols representing wisdom, knowledge, power, and magic.
Ravens have a complex symbolism and are often associated with loss and ill omen, but also represent prophecy and insight.
The raven was widely used in the early Medieval period (Migration period) by Germanic tribes (Goths, Franks, Merovingians and Anglo-Saxons) and in the Viking period.
In Norse culture the raven is a sacred symbol of Wodan / Odin, also known as the Raven God. Raven banners were used by Ragnar Lothbrok (Reafan) and King Harald Hardrada.
In several ancient cultures and mythology, ravens are messengers of the gods and connect the material world with the world of spirits.
Catawiki disclaimer:
This object has been carefully examined for its material and surface characteristics.
Laboratory analysis (e.g. XRF) is not routinely undertaken in private collecting, and destructive testing is avoided as it causes permanent damage to archaeological material.
Before modern hallmarking, gold and silver alloys varied depending on local resources, recycling practices and economic conditions.
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
Early medieval
Century/timeframe
6th-7th century AD
Name of object
Frankish Merovingian Raven Brooch with Garnet Inlays, Fibula
Acquired from
Dealer at a fair
Year acquired
2026
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Dealer at a fair
Previous owner - year acquired
2026
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
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.
