Roman Equal-Ended Stepped Bronze Enamelled Brooch or Fibula, 1st-2nd Century

Description

Material: Enamelled bronze

Period: Roman imperial

Date: 1st to 2nd century

Origin: Roman provinces

Condition: VF. much of the enamelling is still intact. pin is present and usable

Description: Equal-ended stepped brooch with square cell to highpoint in centre. ribbed decoration around; D-shaped cells to ends. these have three knops to edges; all filled with blue. yellow and red enamelling

Size and Weight: 43mm x 21mm. 9.48g 

References: cf. Hattatt’s ‘Ancient Brooches’ p352

Features and Provenance: Brooches as clothes fasteners have been made since the bronze age. As skills and metallurgy advanced. so did the size and detail of the fibulae. They were still used by the Romans. as buttons as then had yet to be invented. This type of brooch was an adapted plate brooch and their ornamentation indicated a degree of affluence by the wearer and their delicate structure points at them being used on equally delicate. expensive fabric.   

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of the artefact and there are grades between

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of pattern etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of pattern etc present. but may be worn

Fine (F). Wear on the artefact and parts of item and pattern etc may be missing or not visible

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades inbetween

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible