Roman Silver-Gilt Crossbow Fibula

Object Description

A very fine and rare Roman, silver-gilt, early crossbow brooch featuring a semi-circle arched bow and faceted foot. The cross-bar is adorned with three small rounded knobs, one at either end and a final knob brought forward from the cross-bar and applied to the bow. The arched bow has a faceted, trapezoidal cross-section, which tapers in slightly towards the base, before connecting with the pointed foot. The hinged, copper pin, still complete, sits in a rounded pin catch.

Date: Circa 3rd – 4th century AD

Object History

Ex private collection, Wiltshire, of brooches and militaria, acquired 1980s-2000s.

Object Condition

Very fine. Copper pin still intact, but oxidised and displays a green colouration. Some loss of gold gilt.

Object Details