Roman to Byzantine, late Imperial period, ca. 280 to mid 6th century CE. A beautiful, large, silver "crossbow" fibula or brooch used to fasten a cloak of a Roman soldier and citizen. It is cruciform, with round bosses on the terminals at top and sides, and a flat tailpiece with stamped dots (likely made using an awl) down its length and triangular shapes on either side of the line of dots. A thick silver pin is present on the back and still has some movement, although we do not recommend trying to move it or open it. Brooches of this style were in vogue in the late Roman Empire, especially amongst elites; they are are similar to those found in contemporary Baltic tribes during the early Migration period and probably represent a mixing of cultures during this volatile time period. Some of the known examples have overt Christian symbols, as the gold one at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/466286) with its openwork cross on the tailpiece. Size: 2" W x 3" H (5.1 cm x 7.6 cm); 55.6 grams

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#133341

Patina on surface, with very slight scratching, mainly on the tailpiece. Pin is not frozen in place, but is delicate and should not be moved. Overall very nice condition.