Ancient Roman Large, strongly profiled onion-knob belt buckle made of bronze. - 87 mm
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Current bid
€ 75
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 200 - € 250
 | €75 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €3 | |
| €2 | |
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This large, strongly profiled bronze onion-knob brooch from the Roman Empire dates to the 3rd–4th century AD and measures 87 × 52 × 28 mm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Large, boldly profiled onion-button fibula in bronze
Roman Empire
3rd – 4th c. AD
Onion-button fibulae were in late antiquity not only clothing clasps but also important status symbols. Especially in the 4th century AD they belonged to the military and civil official dress of the Roman Empire. Their use can be reconstructed both from archaeological finds and from contemporary visual depictions.
Onion-button fibulae primarily served to secure the late Roman cloak (chlamys) on the right shoulder.
Three groups of people are mainly considered as wearers:
Military personnel: The fibulae were part of late Roman military dress. Particularly high-quality examples are associated with officers and higher military functionaries.
Civil officials: As the late antique imperial administration became increasingly military-organized and state service was understood as militia, the cloak and fibula were part of the representation of civil officials as well.
Ruler and allied elite members: Precious golden fibulae could be given as imperial honors. In addition to symbolizing rank, they signified the special relationship of their wearer to the emperor.
87 x 52 x 28 mm
Broken in the middle and reassembled, needle missing
Acquired 2026 in a German art trade; previously since 1950/1960 in a private collection in southern Germany
An invoice is available and will be provided to the buyer in copy.
Large, boldly profiled onion-button fibula in bronze
Roman Empire
3rd – 4th c. AD
Onion-button fibulae were in late antiquity not only clothing clasps but also important status symbols. Especially in the 4th century AD they belonged to the military and civil official dress of the Roman Empire. Their use can be reconstructed both from archaeological finds and from contemporary visual depictions.
Onion-button fibulae primarily served to secure the late Roman cloak (chlamys) on the right shoulder.
Three groups of people are mainly considered as wearers:
Military personnel: The fibulae were part of late Roman military dress. Particularly high-quality examples are associated with officers and higher military functionaries.
Civil officials: As the late antique imperial administration became increasingly military-organized and state service was understood as militia, the cloak and fibula were part of the representation of civil officials as well.
Ruler and allied elite members: Precious golden fibulae could be given as imperial honors. In addition to symbolizing rank, they signified the special relationship of their wearer to the emperor.
87 x 52 x 28 mm
Broken in the middle and reassembled, needle missing
Acquired 2026 in a German art trade; previously since 1950/1960 in a private collection in southern Germany
An invoice is available and will be provided to the buyer in copy.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
3. – 4. Jh. n. Chr.
Name of object
Large, strongly profiled onion-knob belt buckle made of bronze.
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
87 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1950
Width
52 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
Depth
28 mm
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.
