Crossbow - or cruciform - brooches, were a symbolic object of the late Roman Empire. Symbolic of power, showing the rank of the bearer, given as a military
   decoration to victorious soldiers, a political gift to potential friends.

   The importance and the power of the bearer was exhibited by the preciousness of the brooch. Childeric, father of Clovis, the Frankish founder of the Merovingian
   rule on Northern France and West Germany, was bearing a gold crossbow brooch of imperial workshop manufacture.

   Large crossbow brooches with silver or niello inlay decoration and heavy gilding were given and worn only by higher rank military officers and officials.

   This particular example bears a high quality, fully preserved niello geometric ornamentation. The back of the catchplate is missing. The gilding is preserved on
   a large part of the brooch, except especially on the bow, were it has worn out because of daily use.

   Material : Bronze with niello decor, gilding
   Provenance : ex. German Antiquities Dealer
   Period : Roman, IV-V c.A.D.
   Dimensions : L. : 6,8 cm - W. : 4,3 cm

        Ref. : r-073

Römische Militärische Fibel

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   Bibliography : Die Franken, Wegbereiter Europas, Band II, Verlag Philipp von Zabern