Massive Roman Crossbow Brooch
4th Century AD
A solid bronze crossbow brooch with three onion-shaped knops to the headplate, deep bow, trapezoidal footplate with chamfered edges, and raised panels with incised annulets, hinged pin to the reverse-probably reattached ; 90mm,95 grams.
Cf. Hattatt, R., Brooches of Antiquity, Oxford, 1987, item 1268. From the private collection of European collector; acquired on the German art market around 2000. Fine condition.