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. Merovingian Migration period, bronze fibula with an early type of Fleur-de-Lis, connected with a central ribbed band inlaid with black glass paste. The brooch has opposed stylised lily-shaped terminals, with curved side elements and triangular end panels retaining orange-red glass paste. -> The fleur-de-lis is a symbol used in various ancient cultures with different meanings. In Christianity, the fleur-de-lis was used both as representation of the Virgin Mary, as well as the Holy Trinity. The fleur-de-lis is perhaps most closely associated with the French monarchy, who incorporated the emblem in their heraldry from the 13th century onward. Size: ± 37,7 mm Condition: Good and solid condition, fantastic smooth olive-green patina, (iron) pin missing. Very rare type. Signs of wear consistent with age and use. -> Merovingian fibulae were important elements of early medieval dress, serving both as practical garment fasteners and as visible ornaments. Their form, material, and decoration could reflect status, regional taste, and cultural identity. -> Enamel decoration was widely used in early medieval metalwork to create bright colour contrasts against bronze or copper-alloy surfaces. Even when only partly preserved, these inlays show how vivid such objects would originally have appeared.