Ancient Roman, Empire Bronze Ancient Roman Legionary Lorica Segmentata Bronze Buckle Fittings – Collection of 8 Pieces

Ancient Roman Legionary Lorica Segmentata Bronze Buckle Fittings – Collection of 8 Pieces
Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–2nd century AD

Material: Bronze
Number of pieces: 8
Weight: approximately 2.8–4.4 g each
Dimensions:
Largest example: 39.5 × 19.6 mm
Smallest example: 21.7 × 15.5 mm

From a Private European Collection.

A very rare and remarkably well-preserved collection of eight Ancient Roman bronze buckle and fastening fittings associated with the famous Lorica Segmentata – the articulated plate armour worn by Roman legionaries during the Imperial period.

The group consists of eight individually formed fittings displaying an impressive variety of shapes and constructions. Several examples retain their original D-shaped or rounded buckle frames together with movable tongues, attachment plates, rivets and other functional elements.

The excellent degree of preservation makes this collection particularly attractive. Despite their small dimensions and considerable age, the original construction of many of the fittings remains clearly recognisable.

Different buckle frames, attachment plates and fastening arrangements can be examined side by side, providing a fascinating insight into the practical engineering employed in Roman military equipment.

The armour of the Roman Legionary:

The Lorica Segmentata is perhaps the most immediately recognisable form of Roman body armour.

Unlike mail armour, it was constructed from overlapping iron plates arranged around the torso and shoulders. These plates were connected and secured through a sophisticated system incorporating leather straps, hinges, hooks, rivets, buckles and small copper-alloy fittings.

Although small in comparison with the iron plates themselves, fittings such as these were essential components of the armour. They formed part of the fastening and articulation system that allowed the cuirass to be secured around the soldier while retaining sufficient mobility for military use.

Archaeological discoveries from major Roman military sites have enabled scholars to reconstruct different forms of Lorica Segmentata. Among the best known are the Corbridge, Kalkriese and Newstead traditions, named after important archaeological discoveries that have contributed greatly to our understanding of Roman articulated plate armour.

Very rare collection and exceptional preservation:

Lorica Segmentata fittings are documented archaeologically, but substantially complete and well-preserved examples are considerably less frequently encountered on the collectors' market than their historical fame might suggest.

This group is particularly remarkable because it consists not merely of a single isolated fitting, but of eight different examples preserved together.

Several retain multiple original functional components – including buckle frames, tongues, attachment plates and rivets – making their construction immediately understandable.

Small military fittings were particularly vulnerable to loss, damage, corrosion and dispersal during the almost two millennia that followed their period of use. Many surviving archaeological examples are therefore incomplete or fragmentary.

The combination of quantity, variety and excellent preservation makes the present group a very rare and highly desirable ensemble of Roman military equipment.

Particularly appealing is the possibility of studying different fastening constructions within one collection. Each fitting has its own form and individual ancient surface, ranging from brown and olive tones to attractive areas of green patination.

These are not merely decorative antiquities. They represent functional elements associated with the equipment of the Roman soldier and illustrate the remarkable technical sophistication hidden behind one of the most iconic forms of armour of antiquity.

A very rare opportunity to acquire an unusually extensive and remarkably well-preserved collection of eight Ancient Roman Lorica Segmentata fittings.

An outstanding collector's group for enthusiasts of Roman military history, legionary equipment, ancient arms and armour, offering a tangible connection with the equipment once associated with the Roman legionary.

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