A ROMAN BRONZE CROSSBOW FIBULA WITH SAFETY CATCH, the wing with central 'onion'-shaped knob and similar terminals, the curved bow decorated with central zig-zag, the zig-zag continues on the foot and is flanked above and below by punched decoration, pin intact with serrated swivel-bar which holds the pin in position in slot on catchplate, 3½in. (9cm.) long; and another gilt bronze crossbow fibula with three ribbed knobs, plain bow and cross-bars on the foot, lower part of pin deficient, 2in. (5cm.) long, both 3rd-4th Century A.D. (2)

Details
A ROMAN BRONZE CROSSBOW FIBULA WITH SAFETY CATCH, the wing with central 'onion'-shaped knob and similar terminals, the curved bow decorated with central zig-zag, the zig-zag continues on the foot and is flanked above and below by punched decoration, pin intact with serrated swivel-bar which holds the pin in position in slot on catchplate, 3½in. (9cm.) long; and another gilt bronze crossbow fibula with three ribbed knobs, plain bow and cross-bars on the foot, lower part of pin deficient, 2in. (5cm.) long, both 3rd-4th Century A.D. (2)

Lot Essay

For safety devices on Crossbow fibulae, cf., R. Hattatt, Iron Age and Roman Brooches, Oxford, 1985, p. 195, fig. 79

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