Object Description
A Roman bronze bow-and-fantail fibula, known as the Aesica-type. It features a trapezoid arched bow, which widens slightly at the outer corners. It is decorated in the centre with an knotched midrib, with chevron motifs, Two additional ribs flank the midrib. The bow leads to an open-backed spring case with oval endcaps; forming short extended wings. The endcaps are pierced by a circular hole through which a copper alloy axis bar and spring have been threaded. The spring loops back around, to thread underneath the bow. The original pin attached to the spring is now missing, but remains of the oxidisation are still visible. The wider end of the bow is attached to the foot plate beneath it, centred within the trapezoidal rosette, with two knobs forming wings at the sides. The rosette then leads to a fantail foot. The foot is decorated with a central midrib and incised border to the edges. The reverse features the original catch plate; a slight bend to the end, to hold the pin.
Date: Circa 1st century AD