Roman - Silver Crossbow Brooch > Lot No. 680

Description:
4th century AD. A late Roman crossbow brooch of evolved form, its ridged cross-bar decorated with collared onion-shaped finials, and a third onion-shaped feature above the junction with the bow; the bow itself decorated with vertical channels on the outer face; below a narrow collar, a rectangular footplate with the integral catchplate and internal locking mechanism on one side; the upper surface of the foot decorated with facets and horizontal channels.

Measurements:
34.96 grams, 73 mm.

Condition:
Very fine, complete with pin.

References:
Cf. Hattatt, R. Ancient and Romano-British Brooches, Oxford, 1982, p.122-3 item 104.

Provenance:
From an old English collection, found continental Europe.

Estimate: £400 - 600 (EUR 500 - 740; USD 630 - 950)

Auction date: Thursday 9th September 2010 at The Swedenborg Hall 20-21 Bloomsbury Way
London WC1A 2TH