Ancient Roman Large, strongly profiled onion-knob belt buckle made of bronze. - 87 mm
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€ 1
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 200 - € 250
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This large, strongly profiled bronze crossbow fibula from the Roman Empire dates to the 3rd–4th century AD, measures 87 × 52 × 28 mm, is broken in the centre and reassembled, and has a missing pin.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Large, prominently profiled onion-button fibula in bronze
Roman Empire
3rd – 4th century AD
Onion-button fibulae were in late antiquity not only clothing fasteners but also important status symbols. In particular in the 4th century AD they belonged to the military and civil official attire of the Roman Empire. Their use can be reconstructed both from archaeological finds and from contemporary depictions.
Onion-button fibulae served mainly to fasten the late Roman cloak (chlamys) on the right shoulder.
Three groups in particular are candidates as wearers:
Military personnel: The fibulae were part of late Roman military dress. Especially high-quality variants are associated with officers and higher military functionaries.
Civil officials: As the late antique imperial administration became increasingly militarized and the civil service was understood as militia, the cloak and fibula also formed part of the representation of civil servants.
Rulers and members of allied elites: Precious golden fibulae could be awarded as imperial honorary gifts. In doing so they symbolized not only rank but also the special relationship of their wearer to the emperor.
87 x 52 x 28 mm
Broken in the middle and reassembled, pin gone
Acquired 2026 in the German art trade, previously since 1950/1960 in a southern German private collection
An invoice is available and will be provided to the buyer in copy
Large, prominently profiled onion-button fibula in bronze
Roman Empire
3rd – 4th century AD
Onion-button fibulae were in late antiquity not only clothing fasteners but also important status symbols. In particular in the 4th century AD they belonged to the military and civil official attire of the Roman Empire. Their use can be reconstructed both from archaeological finds and from contemporary depictions.
Onion-button fibulae served mainly to fasten the late Roman cloak (chlamys) on the right shoulder.
Three groups in particular are candidates as wearers:
Military personnel: The fibulae were part of late Roman military dress. Especially high-quality variants are associated with officers and higher military functionaries.
Civil officials: As the late antique imperial administration became increasingly militarized and the civil service was understood as militia, the cloak and fibula also formed part of the representation of civil servants.
Rulers and members of allied elites: Precious golden fibulae could be awarded as imperial honorary gifts. In doing so they symbolized not only rank but also the special relationship of their wearer to the emperor.
87 x 52 x 28 mm
Broken in the middle and reassembled, pin gone
Acquired 2026 in the German art trade, previously since 1950/1960 in a southern German private collection
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.
