Roman crossbow brooch from Deurne, around 310 to 330 AD.

Description

Early form of a Roman crossbow brooch, so called because of its 3 buttons, which in the later form could often have the shape of onions. Mostly worn by military personnel. Around 310 to 330, from Deurne, Netherlands, it may have belonged to the equipment of a cavalryman who sacrificed much of his equipment (including a rider’s helmet) to the gods in a waterhole there. With original pin construction and safety pin on the catch plate. Length 6,5 cm.