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REFERENCE: GB2401

A large Italic Bronze Spectacle Fibula, Early Iron Age, ca. 10th – 7th century BCE

Sale price$3,050.00 AUD

This object qualifies for free USA shipping and a flat rate fee of $60 if shipping internationally.

This large spectacle fibula is made of a continuous bronze wire wound into two spirals with a figure eight in-between and the two ends forming the pin and catch. Originating in the Hallstatt cultures of central Europe (proto-Celts), spectacle fibulae were widely distributed and imitated from the Balkans, the Danubian region, and northern Greece to the western Adriatic coast and southern Italy, from the beginning of the first millenium BCE. This fibula most likely comes from southern Italy, where similar examples have been found in elite women’s graves. From the archaeological evidence, they were pinned on each shoulder to hold a garment in place.

Medium: Bronze

Dimensions: Length: 7 1/4 inches (18.4 cm)

Condition: Missing pin and loop at the back with heavy patina otherwise intact and in very good condition overall. Presented on a museum quality custom mount.

Provenance: Raymond A. Davis (1931 - 2018), California, private collection, acquired from John Ristow Curiosities, Novato, California Jan 20, 2000 and previously with Royal Athena Galleries, New York. Accompanied by a copy of the purchase invoice from John Ristow.

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A large Italic Bronze Spectacle Fibula, Early Iron Age, ca. 10th – 7th century BCE
A large Italic Bronze Spectacle Fibula, Early Iron Age, ca. 10th – 7th century BCE Sale price$3,050.00 AUD