Ancient Roman Fibula, Legionary Crossbow
07
days
01
hour
19
minutes
37
seconds
Current bid
€ 72
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 160 - € 200
12 other people are watching this object
 Bidder 3085 | €72 | |
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 Bidder 7873 | €1 |
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Ancient Roman legionary crossbow fibula dating to the 3rd–4th century AD, in good condition with an olive-green patina, length 90.3 mm and width 54.9 mm.
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.
Large Roman Legionary crossbow fibula with an impressive arched bow, leading to a long rectangular decorated footplate. At the head sit three prominent onion-shaped knob terminals with ring-mouldings at the base.
Length: ± 90,3 mm
Width: ± 54,9 mm
Condition: Good and solid condition with an appealing olive-green patina and encrustations of sand. Pin and catchplate are restored. Large and heavy fibula. Signs of wear consistent with age and use.
Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request.
Crossbow fibula / brooch
Crossbow fibulae were worn as a symbol of rank in the Roman army and civil service and became part of the standard insignia of military personnel during the 3rd century AD.
This brooch type was initially used by common soldiers and low ranking officers, but by the 4th century it had become a symbol of imperial administrators and powerful state bureaucrats. Finally by the 5th and 6th century the crossbow brooch was worn only by senators, consuls, or those with very close connections to the imperial court.
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 within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note, keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* 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.
Large Roman Legionary crossbow fibula with an impressive arched bow, leading to a long rectangular decorated footplate. At the head sit three prominent onion-shaped knob terminals with ring-mouldings at the base.
Length: ± 90,3 mm
Width: ± 54,9 mm
Condition: Good and solid condition with an appealing olive-green patina and encrustations of sand. Pin and catchplate are restored. Large and heavy fibula. Signs of wear consistent with age and use.
Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request.
Crossbow fibula / brooch
Crossbow fibulae were worn as a symbol of rank in the Roman army and civil service and became part of the standard insignia of military personnel during the 3rd century AD.
This brooch type was initially used by common soldiers and low ranking officers, but by the 4th century it had become a symbol of imperial administrators and powerful state bureaucrats. Finally by the 5th and 6th century the crossbow brooch was worn only by senators, consuls, or those with very close connections to the imperial court.
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 within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note, keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* 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
3rd-4th century AD
Name of object
Legionary Crossbow, Fibula
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Year acquired
2025
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Previous owner - year acquired
2025
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
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.
