Late Roman Silver Double-Bow Brooch
3th-4th century A.D. A silver sprung-prin or proto-crossbow brooch, the two separate bows joining at the top of the foot and above the spring case. Cf. Behrens, G., ‘Zur Typologie und technik der provinzialrömischen Fibeln’ in Jahrb Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum, 1954, pp.220-236, fig.2, no.6, from Worms. 9.33 grams, 48 mm (1 7/8 in.). Acquired before 2000.From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK. These fibulae were the prototypes from which the crossbow brooch developed. Like crossbow brooch, the structure copmprises two essential parts: the upper part an arched bow and the lower part comprising a fairly long foot with a long and narrow catch-plate. [No Reserve]