Timeless are pleased to offer a large Roman Military Crossbow Brooch, dating from the 3rd - 4th centuries A.D.
The crossbow brooch was ubiquitous throughout the late Roman empire, often worn on the shoulder with the long, tapering leg uppermost (so that the brooch would appear inverted to us). The deep bow of the brooch would allow the Roman soldier to 'gather up' the thick material of his cloak and pin it securely - much like the other classic Roman military brooch: the knee brooch.
The crossbow brooch is a type of fibula brooch (essentially a fancy safety pin -fibula means clasp) from the Roman republic and empire. While buckles were common, and buttons occasionally used, the pin and catchplate clasp of the fibula lent itself to the flowing robes, tunics and cloaks of the Roman period.
At just over 6cm, the brooch is small for a crossbow brooch (although large in comparison with most other types of Roman fibula brooch).
Now available in the Timeless Galleries
SMALL ROMAN MILITARY BROOCH
Acquired by Timeless in 2018 on the specialist UK antiquities market, formerly in the renowned Chris Rudd collection, Norfolk, UK.