Ca. 100-300 AD. Roman. A very well-preserved bronze fibula, featuring an original catch-plate and pin. The body of the fibula consists of an onion knob finial, a round catch plate, and a bow, and a head taking the shape of the anchor. Excellent condition. Fibulae were brooches used in Greek and Roman dress for fastening garments. Greek fibulae from the 7th century BC were elaborately decorated along the long catch plate: rows of animals, such as ducks, lions, and sphinxes, might be soldered on, or a frieze of animals might be worked in relief. The Etruscans were also fond of fibulae, some of which were very large and decorated with elaborate granulation and processions of animals done in relief. The Roman conquests spread the use of the fibula, which became the basis for more complicated brooches. By the Middle Ages, the Roman safety-pin type of fibula had fallen into disuse. Size: L:36mm / W:17mm ; 10.1g. Provenance: Obtained on the London art market in the early 2000s; formerly from the collection of an English Family, by descents from the 1970s.