Lot 82C
Early Medieval Gilt Silver Fibula - Garnet Inlays
Early Medieval Gilt Silver Fibula - Garnet Inlays
Starting Bid: $800
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Western / Central Europe, Early Medieval period, Frankish or Visigoth culture, Migration Period, ca. 5th to 6th century CE. A gleaming example of early medieval craftsmanship, this gilt silver fibula brooch captures the distinctive aesthetic of the Migration Period, when styles and symbols traveled as swiftly as armies. Fashioned in the form of a stylized crossbow, the brooch features a strong vertical bow and broad, upturned arms, a silhouette popular among both Frankish and Visigothic elites. Two round cabochon garnets are embedded in either arm, their deep red-violet hue glowing with quiet intensity. The warm gilding across the surface softens the coolness of the underlying silver, adding richness and contrast to its sculptural form. Size: 2.6" L x 1.4" W (6.6 cm x 3.6 cm); silver quality: 95.9%; weight: 14.1 grams
Between the garnet inlays, a semicircular field is filled with symmetrical scrollwork in low relief, evoking vegetal or solar motifs within a raised border. The footplate flares gently at the base and is decorated with an elegant palmette scroll rendered in the same crisp relief, echoing the ornamental pattern above. The arching bow suggests the brooch was designed to clasp a thick garment, such as a woolen mantle or tunic, securing it at the shoulder while proclaiming the status of its wearer.
On the reverse, remnants of the iron pin remain, now heavily corroded, offering a tactile reminder of the utilitarian function behind this opulent adornment. Belonging to a class of fibulae that served not only as fasteners but as emblems of identity, this brooch reflects the confluence of Roman, Germanic, and Byzantine influences that defined the visual language of Europe's post-imperial kingdoms.
Provenance: ex-T.F. Holy Lands collection, formed since the 1960s; ex-private UK collection; ex-Arthur Jacson collection, 1970s-1980s
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#195343
- Condition: Not wearable - missing pin. Light surface wear, commensurate with age, but, otherwise, excellent presentation with good preservation of relief and inlays.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |