Ancient Roman Silver Brooch, Miniature Ancient Roman Silver Crossbow Fibula — Exquisite Jewellery Craftsmanship — 1st–3rd Century - 2.5 cm (No reserve price)
03
days
20
hours
56
minutes
16
seconds
Current bid
€ 2
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
 | €2 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €1 |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 142857 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Ancient Roman silver miniature crossbow-style fibula brooch dating to the 1st–3rd century AD, measuring 25 × 15 mm and weighing 2.4 g, with raised circular mouldings and an intact pin mechanism, featuring an ancient patinated surface and acquired from Germany in 2023 from a private collection.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
An exceptionally small and elegant Ancient Roman silver fibula, crafted in the form of a crossbow-style brooch.
Despite its miniature dimensions of just 25 × 15 mm, this remarkable piece displays an intricate construction and carefully executed decorative details.
Particularly striking are the raised circular mouldings, elegantly curved bow, and distinctive pin mechanism. These elements give the tiny brooch an almost architectural appearance, transforming a functional fastening device into a refined piece of personal jewellery.
The Art of Roman Craftsmen
Fibulae played an important role in everyday life throughout the Roman Empire. They were used to fasten cloaks, tunics, and other garments while also serving as decorative accessories.
Silver examples represented a more valuable alternative to the commonly encountered bronze brooches. Such objects could reflect the wealth, social standing, or personal taste of their owners.
This particular example is especially fascinating because of its exceptionally small dimensions. Weighing only 2.4 grams, it preserves a sophisticated construction that required considerable precision and craftsmanship.
The Architecture of a Miniature Brooch
The fibula displays several distinctive structural features:
- An elegantly curved bow with raised decorative elements.
- Circular mouldings accentuating individual sections of the construction.
- An elongated body with a gently tapering profile.
- Preserved components of the original pin mechanism.
The combination of miniature proportions and intricate design makes this fibula an appealing object for collectors of Ancient Roman jewellery, archaeological artefacts, and historical dress accessories.
Condition
The fibula retains an attractive ancient surface with natural patina, darkened areas, and visible traces of age.
The raised decorative elements remain clearly distinguishable, and the overall shape is well preserved.
Specifications
Culture: Ancient Roman
Proposed Dating: 1st–3rd century AD
Type: Miniature crossbow-style fibula (brooch)
Material: Silver
Dimensions: 25 × 15 mm
Weight: 2.4 g
Decoration: Raised circular mouldings and a profiled bow
Condition: Ancient patinated surface with traces of age and wear
Provenance: Acquired on the European antiquities market
Shipping: European Union only.
A Tiny Witness to a Great Empire
The history of Ancient Rome survives not only through monumental architecture, military victories, and magnificent works of art. Sometimes, the smallest personal objects offer the most intimate glimpses into the everyday lives of people who lived nearly two thousand years ago.
A fibula such as this may once have accompanied its owner through daily life, securing the folds of a garment while remaining a subtle yet elegant element of personal appearance.
Weighing just 2.4 grams, this miniature silver fibula is a charming example of ancient metalworking, combining practical functionality with refined decorative craftsmanship.
An exceptionally small and elegant Ancient Roman silver fibula, crafted in the form of a crossbow-style brooch.
Despite its miniature dimensions of just 25 × 15 mm, this remarkable piece displays an intricate construction and carefully executed decorative details.
Particularly striking are the raised circular mouldings, elegantly curved bow, and distinctive pin mechanism. These elements give the tiny brooch an almost architectural appearance, transforming a functional fastening device into a refined piece of personal jewellery.
The Art of Roman Craftsmen
Fibulae played an important role in everyday life throughout the Roman Empire. They were used to fasten cloaks, tunics, and other garments while also serving as decorative accessories.
Silver examples represented a more valuable alternative to the commonly encountered bronze brooches. Such objects could reflect the wealth, social standing, or personal taste of their owners.
This particular example is especially fascinating because of its exceptionally small dimensions. Weighing only 2.4 grams, it preserves a sophisticated construction that required considerable precision and craftsmanship.
The Architecture of a Miniature Brooch
The fibula displays several distinctive structural features:
- An elegantly curved bow with raised decorative elements.
- Circular mouldings accentuating individual sections of the construction.
- An elongated body with a gently tapering profile.
- Preserved components of the original pin mechanism.
The combination of miniature proportions and intricate design makes this fibula an appealing object for collectors of Ancient Roman jewellery, archaeological artefacts, and historical dress accessories.
Condition
The fibula retains an attractive ancient surface with natural patina, darkened areas, and visible traces of age.
The raised decorative elements remain clearly distinguishable, and the overall shape is well preserved.
Specifications
Culture: Ancient Roman
Proposed Dating: 1st–3rd century AD
Type: Miniature crossbow-style fibula (brooch)
Material: Silver
Dimensions: 25 × 15 mm
Weight: 2.4 g
Decoration: Raised circular mouldings and a profiled bow
Condition: Ancient patinated surface with traces of age and wear
Provenance: Acquired on the European antiquities market
Shipping: European Union only.
A Tiny Witness to a Great Empire
The history of Ancient Rome survives not only through monumental architecture, military victories, and magnificent works of art. Sometimes, the smallest personal objects offer the most intimate glimpses into the everyday lives of people who lived nearly two thousand years ago.
A fibula such as this may once have accompanied its owner through daily life, securing the folds of a garment while remaining a subtle yet elegant element of personal appearance.
Weighing just 2.4 grams, this miniature silver fibula is a charming example of ancient metalworking, combining practical functionality with refined decorative craftsmanship.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
1st–3rd Century AD
Name of object
Miniature Ancient Roman Silver Crossbow Fibula — Exquisite Jewellery Craftsmanship — 1st–3rd Century, Brooch
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2023
Material
Silver
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Very good +
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
2.5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1996
Width
1.5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
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.
