Description: Circa 3rd-4th Century ADToday we are pleased to offer a splendid Ancient Roman "Crossbow" fibula, which is considered the most complex of the many fibula types. Furthermore, it is thought to have been a status symbol that indicated high military rank. Our example is of exceptional workmanship and a pedigree 60-year provenance. This gold-gilt bronze crossbow fibula is a large, sturdy highly developed and ornate example of the type. The p-shaped bow has a rope pattern in relief at its base. Six spirals in relief on each side of the foot and a niello rope pattern down its center. The crossbar, with a pair of vertical perforations on each side, has a stepped form terminating in faceted so-called onion-shaped knobs. A third onion shaped knob serves as the head of the brooch. Approximately 50% of the original gold gilt and 50% of the original pin preserved.There are some remarkable examples in museum collections in solid gold. Gold-gilt bronze fibulae were no doubt a more affordable alternative for the discerning legionary commander and fine examples are rare on the market. Very impressive example. Don't let this one get away. Provenance: Impeccable! Ex-Christies Antiquities London, April 28, 2004, #391. Also, formerly in the Heidi Vollmoeller (died 2004) collection, acquired in 1960. Vollmoeller was an antiquities collector and became a renowned dealer in Switzerland in the 1950s. To her credit, over 70 museums worldwide acquired works of art from her dealership. Published: We discovered this item has been published in Antiker Schmuck, Gold und Silber, Galerie Heidi Vollmoeller, Zurich, 1982, #76. Dimensions: About 2.25" (5.5 cm) long. We are an international antiquities dealer with 40+ years of experience and have published more than 50 color catalogues over the years. Our client include dozens of museums worldwide, dealers and private collectors. We are selling select objects here on eBAY, offering a rare opportunity to acquire high-quality, guaranteed ancient objects with great provenance from an antiquities professional at a fraction of what you will pay at auction or from big city dealers.
Price: 1400 USD
Location: Quakertown, Pennsylvania
End Time: 2024-02-12T01:07:46.000Z
Shipping Cost: 6 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Primary Material: Bronze
Provenance: Ex-Christies, Ex-Vollmoeller Collection
Era: roman
Country/Region of Origin: Italy
Original/Reproduction: Original
Material: Gold Gilt over Bronze
