Roman Silver Knee Fibula

Object Description

An ancient Roman silver knee fibula, named after the bend of the bow resembling a human knee. The brooch features an elegantly arched bow, which widens to a bulging head. The head terminates in a semicircular plate, superimposed over the perpendicular cross-bar. The slightly rounded foot of the fibula is decorated with a small circular protrusion at the centre. A flat, hooked catch-plate extends from the underside of the bend in the bow. The pin, which is hinged and attached to the brooch at the crossbar, is curved and tapers to a point.

Date: Circa 2nd-3rd Century AD

Object History

From an important European private collection, 1980s-2000s.

Object Condition

Fine condition. Some tarnishing and encrustations to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with its age, such as minor chips and scratches. Both the pin and catch plate are complete and intact, with the pin still moveable.

Object Details