Ancient Roman Bronze Roman Military Onion-Head Fibula with Five Unusual Markings – 4th Century AD (No reserve price)
04
days
22
hours
30
minutes
38
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Current bid
€ 26
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 200 - € 250
 | €26 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €21 | |
 | €20 | |
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This 4th-century Ancient Roman bronze onion-head crossbow fibula features four openwork volutes and five unusual notches along one edge of its foot.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A remarkable Late Roman onion-head crossbow brooch (Zwiebelknopffibel), dating to the 4th century AD.
This type of brooch was an important element of Late Roman military and official dress. It was used to fasten the military cloak (chlamys) and is particularly associated with soldiers, officers and imperial officials.
The Fibula features three characteristic onion-shaped knobs and an elaborately decorated crossbar with four openwork volutes. Its predominantly glossy green-brown patina gives the piece an attractive appearance.
What makes this particular example especially intriguing are five distinct notches along one side of the foot.
These five marks appear deliberately placed and are confined to just one edge. Their original purpose remains unknown.
Could they represent a personal marking made by the original owner? A soldier's individual record, a form of identification, or something entirely different?
There is no definitive answer, and their meaning should not be overstated. Nevertheless, these unusual markings add a fascinating individual dimension to an object that may once have belonged to a Roman soldier or official some 1,600 years ago.
The five notches are a particularly interesting feature that invites collectors to form their own interpretations.
Object Details
Culture: Late Roman
Date: 4th century AD
Type: Onion-head crossbow Fibula (Zwiebelknopffibel)
Classification: Late Roman military and official dress accessory
Material: Bronze alloy
Length: 7.4 cm
Width: 5.1 cm
Height: 2.8 cm
Weight: 39 g
Decoration: Four openwork volutes and five unusual notches along one edge of the foot
Patina: Predominantly glossy green-brown
Condition
Well preserved, with an attractive ancient patina.
Provenance:
Acquired from a private collection in Munich, Germany, in 2003.
The fibula has been in my possession since 2003.
The seller guarantees that this lot was legally acquired and that he is entitled to sell the object.
Shipping:
Insured DHL parcel shipping within the European Union.
Shipping is only possible within the EU. Please take this into account before placing a bid.
A remarkable Late Roman onion-head crossbow brooch (Zwiebelknopffibel), dating to the 4th century AD.
This type of brooch was an important element of Late Roman military and official dress. It was used to fasten the military cloak (chlamys) and is particularly associated with soldiers, officers and imperial officials.
The Fibula features three characteristic onion-shaped knobs and an elaborately decorated crossbar with four openwork volutes. Its predominantly glossy green-brown patina gives the piece an attractive appearance.
What makes this particular example especially intriguing are five distinct notches along one side of the foot.
These five marks appear deliberately placed and are confined to just one edge. Their original purpose remains unknown.
Could they represent a personal marking made by the original owner? A soldier's individual record, a form of identification, or something entirely different?
There is no definitive answer, and their meaning should not be overstated. Nevertheless, these unusual markings add a fascinating individual dimension to an object that may once have belonged to a Roman soldier or official some 1,600 years ago.
The five notches are a particularly interesting feature that invites collectors to form their own interpretations.
Object Details
Culture: Late Roman
Date: 4th century AD
Type: Onion-head crossbow Fibula (Zwiebelknopffibel)
Classification: Late Roman military and official dress accessory
Material: Bronze alloy
Length: 7.4 cm
Width: 5.1 cm
Height: 2.8 cm
Weight: 39 g
Decoration: Four openwork volutes and five unusual notches along one edge of the foot
Patina: Predominantly glossy green-brown
Condition
Well preserved, with an attractive ancient patina.
Provenance:
Acquired from a private collection in Munich, Germany, in 2003.
The fibula has been in my possession since 2003.
The seller guarantees that this lot was legally acquired and that he is entitled to sell the object.
Shipping:
Insured DHL parcel shipping within the European Union.
Shipping is only possible within the EU. Please take this into account before placing a bid.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
4.
Name of object
Roman Military Onion-Head Fibula with Five Unusual Markings – 4th Century AD
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2003
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Very good +
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
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.
