FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board

Antiquities Discussion Forums => Fibulae and Clothing Items => Topic started by: Renate H on June 27, 2021, 08:47:08 am

Title: Crossbow Fibula Safety Device / Introduction
Post by: Renate H on June 27, 2021, 08:47:08 am
Hi :), with this message I would like to introduce myself as a brooch fan, and in order to get to know the forum software and understand the functions I am showing one of my pieces.

It is an onion button brooch type Pröttel 3/4 D, where the needle safety device still works. I bought the brooch from an auction house about 15 years ago together with a few others as a lot and was very surprised when it clacked when I unpacked it. The attached drawing from Riha (1979) shows how the mechanism works: in the carrying position, a small pin falls down and locks the needle in place; if you fold it back, the pin slides back into the bow foot. Hope you enjoy!

n0x
Title: Re: Crossbow Fibula Safety Device / Introduction
Post by: SC on June 27, 2021, 04:57:41 pm
Very nice piece.

SC
Title: Re: Crossbow Fibula Safety Device / Introduction
Post by: Renate H on June 28, 2021, 03:51:42 am
Thank you :). I find the technical aspects of brooches more interesting than the design. Unfortunately, there is little information about it. Specifically on the fastening of crossbow brooches, there is only Riha 1979 as mentioned, Drescher 1959 [Drescher, Hans (1959): Ein Beitrag zur Technik roemischer Zwiebelknopffibeln.  In Germania 37, pp. 170-179. Available online (https://journals.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/index.php/germania/article/download/41930/35580)], a descriptive chapter in Hattatt 1985 [Hattatt, Richard (1985): Iron age and Roman brooches. A second selection of brooches from the author's collection. Oxford: Oxbow Books. p. 191 ff.] and something on screwed pins in various exhibition catalogues. Does anyone here know another source on this?

n0x
Title: Re: Crossbow Fibula Safety Device / Introduction
Post by: Mayadigger on July 02, 2021, 05:07:14 pm
Ave n0x,

Because you find the technical aspects of brooches more interesting than the design here is one
that you may truly appreciate. I have shared this brooch before, but as you are new here...?

Pannonian Anchor Fibula with bird decoration on the bow. ca. 100-175 AD

Copper alloy; 48mm/34.3gm

In later examples, the bird decorations are often stylized or degenerated.  Mine is obviously an early and high quality example with a very realistic bird.  The knobs at the end of the spring cover (which are meant to cover the rivets that hold the cover in place) are just abstract, or perhaps puppy dogs?  By my count there are at least 14 at least different cast parts before all were assembled to create this fibula.

I hope this helps you with your collecting interest.

Best regards,

Kevinj
Title: Re: Crossbow Fibula Safety Device / Introduction
Post by: Renate H on July 03, 2021, 07:25:17 am
Hi Kevin,

that's an awesome piece, I really appreciate it. And it's complete - thanks for sharing once more.
As far as I remember the oldest variants of these are bull's heads which had a bird sitting on the nose later on. I'll search for images if you like. The knobs on the spring cover were bird's protomes as far as I remember on early pieces and later on  knobs. Yours seem to be a transition type, in between the two examples:

n0x