Ancient Roman Evil Eye Fibula
17
days
20
hours
40
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06
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Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 230 - € 280
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Ancient Roman evil eye fibula in bronze and glass from the 2nd century AD, in good condition with the reverse catchplate and hinge preserved.
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.
Ancient Roman bronze and glass Evil Eye fibula, associated with protection and the warding off of evil.
The front is in the shape of stylised eye with glass inlay and remains of white glass dots. The eye is surrounded by six peripheral lugs, all inlaid with black and white glass.
-> Eye-shaped brooches were worn in the Roman period as functional dress fasteners and decorative personal ornaments. Their distinctive form made them visually striking, while the eye motif carried an apotropaic meaning, intended to protect the wearer from harmful forces or the evil eye.
Size: ± 35,9 x 21,3 mm
Condition:
Good ancient condition with surface wear, patination and encrustation consistent with age and use. The reverse preserves the catchplate and the hinge mechanism, while a small part of the pin remains in place (rigid). Minor surface irregularities and wear to the detailing.
Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request for all lots with a hammer price of €100 or higher.
-> Fibulae were an important part of Roman dress, used to fasten garments such as cloaks and tunics. Beyond their practical function, they could express regional style, personal taste, and symbolic meaning through their shape, decoration, and use of coloured inlays.
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.
Ancient Roman bronze and glass Evil Eye fibula, associated with protection and the warding off of evil.
The front is in the shape of stylised eye with glass inlay and remains of white glass dots. The eye is surrounded by six peripheral lugs, all inlaid with black and white glass.
-> Eye-shaped brooches were worn in the Roman period as functional dress fasteners and decorative personal ornaments. Their distinctive form made them visually striking, while the eye motif carried an apotropaic meaning, intended to protect the wearer from harmful forces or the evil eye.
Size: ± 35,9 x 21,3 mm
Condition:
Good ancient condition with surface wear, patination and encrustation consistent with age and use. The reverse preserves the catchplate and the hinge mechanism, while a small part of the pin remains in place (rigid). Minor surface irregularities and wear to the detailing.
Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request for all lots with a hammer price of €100 or higher.
-> Fibulae were an important part of Roman dress, used to fasten garments such as cloaks and tunics. Beyond their practical function, they could express regional style, personal taste, and symbolic meaning through their shape, decoration, and use of coloured inlays.
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
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
2nd century AD
Name of object
Evil Eye 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.
