Ancient Roman Bronze Onion-Head Fibula (Crossbow Brooch) - impressive size & weight – 4th Century AD - 3.6 cm
04
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06
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48
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Current bid
€ 140
Reserve price met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 200 - € 250
 | €140 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €130 | |
| €120 | |
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This substantial 4th-century AD Ancient Roman bronze Onion-Head Fibula, also known as a Crossbow Brooch, measures 10.1 × 6 × 3.6 cm and retains its original pin.
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Description from the seller
Impressive large and heavy Roman Bronze Onion-Head Fibula (Crossbow Brooch) – 4th Century AD
An exceptionally large and substantial Late Roman bronze Onion-Head Fibula, also known as a Crossbow Brooch or Zwiebelknopffibel, dating to the 4th century AD, most likely around 350–380 AD.
With an impressive length of 10.1 cm and a weight of 73 grams, this is a particularly substantial example of the distinctive Late Roman Onion-Head Fibula, a type closely associated with military officers, imperial administration and individuals holding official positions within the Roman Empire.
The fibula features three prominent, profiled onion-shaped terminals, a characteristic diamond-shaped bow and an elongated foot decorated with a central band and circular punched ornaments (ring-and-dot decoration).
The original pin is still present.
The surface displays an attractive, naturally developed grey-green patina, highlighting the ancient bronze and the carefully executed decorative details.
Typologically, the fibula appears to correspond to Keller Type 3B/4A, possibly Type 4A, suggesting a date in the second half of the 4th century AD.
During the Late Roman period, Onion-Head Fibulae were more than functional dress accessories. They were frequently worn as visible symbols of official position, military affiliation and social standing. Certain types and decorative variations were associated with the hierarchy of the imperial administration and army.
The remarkable dimensions, substantial weight and elaborate construction make this an especially impressive representative of Late Roman personal adornment.
Dimensions:
Length: 10.1 cm
Width: 6.0 cm
Height: 3.6 cm
Weight: 73 grams
Material: Bronze
Period: Late Roman Empire
Date: Approximately 350–380 AD
Typology: Keller Type 3B/4A, possibly 4A
Condition: Ancient bronze with naturally developed grey-green patina. Original pin present.
Provenance:
Acquired from a private collection in Munich, Germany, in 2003.
The fibula has been in my possession since 2003.
A remarkable and substantial piece of Late Roman history, appealing to collectors of Roman military antiquities, ancient jewellery and objects associated with the administration of the Late Roman Empire.
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.
Impressive large and heavy Roman Bronze Onion-Head Fibula (Crossbow Brooch) – 4th Century AD
An exceptionally large and substantial Late Roman bronze Onion-Head Fibula, also known as a Crossbow Brooch or Zwiebelknopffibel, dating to the 4th century AD, most likely around 350–380 AD.
With an impressive length of 10.1 cm and a weight of 73 grams, this is a particularly substantial example of the distinctive Late Roman Onion-Head Fibula, a type closely associated with military officers, imperial administration and individuals holding official positions within the Roman Empire.
The fibula features three prominent, profiled onion-shaped terminals, a characteristic diamond-shaped bow and an elongated foot decorated with a central band and circular punched ornaments (ring-and-dot decoration).
The original pin is still present.
The surface displays an attractive, naturally developed grey-green patina, highlighting the ancient bronze and the carefully executed decorative details.
Typologically, the fibula appears to correspond to Keller Type 3B/4A, possibly Type 4A, suggesting a date in the second half of the 4th century AD.
During the Late Roman period, Onion-Head Fibulae were more than functional dress accessories. They were frequently worn as visible symbols of official position, military affiliation and social standing. Certain types and decorative variations were associated with the hierarchy of the imperial administration and army.
The remarkable dimensions, substantial weight and elaborate construction make this an especially impressive representative of Late Roman personal adornment.
Dimensions:
Length: 10.1 cm
Width: 6.0 cm
Height: 3.6 cm
Weight: 73 grams
Material: Bronze
Period: Late Roman Empire
Date: Approximately 350–380 AD
Typology: Keller Type 3B/4A, possibly 4A
Condition: Ancient bronze with naturally developed grey-green patina. Original pin present.
Provenance:
Acquired from a private collection in Munich, Germany, in 2003.
The fibula has been in my possession since 2003.
A remarkable and substantial piece of Late Roman history, appealing to collectors of Roman military antiquities, ancient jewellery and objects associated with the administration of the Late Roman Empire.
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. AD
Name of object
Onion-Head Fibula (Crossbow Brooch) - impressive size & weight – 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
Height
3.6 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1998
Width
6 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
Depth
10.1 cm
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.
