Scarce Roman Silver Bow-Brooch as Double Dolphins, Pin Intact, 2nd Century AD

Description

Material: Silver

Period: Roman imperial

Date: c2nd century AD

Origin: Roman provinces. possibly Eastern Empire.

Condition: VF+. Silver is toned. Scarce.

Description: An exquisite silver zoomorphic bow-brooch in the form of two Dolphins. They are modelled with arched backs and raised tails. The pin is present. A lovely unusual piece.

Size and Weight: 25mm x 17mm. 7.10g 

References: R. Hattatt’s Ancient Brooches. p362 illustration 1203 for type. this is an unusual double version.

Features and Provenance: From a private UK collection. previously purchased from Coincraft 2006.

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 had yet to be invented. The brooch was probably decorative rather than functional. but may have been used at the shoulder to fasten Roman ladies tunics called the chiton or peplos.

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