Roman Bronze Kraftig Profilierte Type Fibula or Brooch 1st Century

Description

Material: Copper alloy

Period: Roman empire

Date: 1st century AD

Origin: Central Europe

Condition: VF. pin may have been replaced at some point. nice dark brown patina

Description: Brooch made in three parts. the foot forming the catch-plate with decorated knop and openwork design. robust curved main body attached to large coiled hinge. pin attached and working

Size and Weight: 68mm x 26mm. 32g

References: cf. Hattatt’s ‘Ancient Brooches’ p325

Features and Provenance: Brooches as clothes fasteners have been made since the bronze age. As skills and metals advanced. so did the size and elaborateness of the fibulae. They were still used by the Romans as buttons were still to be invented. This type of ‘Kraftig Profilierte’ (strongly profiled) fibula originated in Central Europe. probably Pannonia. roughly where Hungary is now and spread across as far as Britain. It is thought to have been introduced by the Ninth Roman Legion who were from Pannonia. Examples of this rare brooch have been found in the Isle of Wight. Kent and Essex.  

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