Roman Silver Decorated Crossbow Fibula

Object Description

A fine, Roman silver crossbow brooch featuring a semi-circle arched bow and short, rectangular foot. The narrow cross-bar at the top is adorned with three large domed knobs, one at either end and a final knob situated within the middle, attached to the start of the bow. Below each terminal knob is another protruding ring. The arched bow is decorated through the concave middle with striations. This leads to the short foot, also decorated with two panels featuring four concentric circles at either end. The hinged pin, still complete, sits in the pin catch.

Date: Circa 4th century AD

Object History

Ex Peter Stone collection, 1980-90’s.

Object Condition

Fine Condition. Small hole to the base of the bow. Tarnishing and encrustations to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with its age, such as minor scratches, chipping, and surface pitting. The pin and catchplate are intact.

Object Details