Premium Ancient Roman Bronze Cruciform Plate Brooch (Circa 2nd Century AD) 31mm For Sale

Authenticity NoticeThis artifact is certified authentic and will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and Provenance.

Details

• Object: Cruciform (Cross-shaped) Plate Brooch

• Culture: Roman (Gallo-Roman / Romano-British type)

• Date: Circa 2nd Century AD

• Material: Bronze (Copper-alloy)

• Form: Equal-armed cross with a central circular recessed cell

• Size: 31mm

• Region: European Provinces of the Roman Empire

Identification: Roman Plate BroochThis 31mm bronze artifact is a Roman Plate Brooch, a decorative fastener used to secure tunics and cloaks.

• The Design: This \"Cruciform\" style features four projecting arms and a large central recessed field.

• The Central Cell: The recessed \"dish\" in the center was designed as a decorative feature.

• The Reverse: The reverse shows the characteristic hollowed-out construction used to save on material. While the pin mechanism is missing, the structural remnants of the hinge and catch-plate are visible at the poles of the vertical arms.

• Evolution: While it appears \"cross-like,\" this was a geometric fashion statement in the 2nd century, predating the widespread Christianization of the Roman Empire. It represents the high level of provincial craftsmanship in the Western Roman territories.

Overview and Historical ContextBrooches of this type were essential components of the daily Roman \"kit.\" Unlike the earlier safety-pin (fibula) styles, plate brooches allowed for flat, geometric designs that lay flush against the garment. This 31mm example was a mid-status personal ornament, likely belonging to a soldier or a provincial merchant. The sturdy bronze construction was designed for high-frequency use, ensuring the cloak remained fastened during travel or labor.

Authenticity Check

• The artifact displays a superb, stable \"Desert/Earth\" patina with localized patches of cuprite-red and malachite-green mineralization.

• The central cell and arms show authentic \"pitting\" and microscopic earthen crystallization consistent with long-term archaeological burial.

• The edges show characteristic hand-finished irregularities from the ancient filing process.

• No evidence of modern casting seams, fresh metallic surfaces, or artificial chemical staining.

Comparable Examples

1. The British Museum, London: Accession No. 1870,1013.19 (Roman plate brooches with cruciform projections).

2. Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS): Record ID: HAMP-234A51 (Roman equal-armed brooches from Britain).

3. Ashmolean Museum, Oxford: Significant collection of Gallo-Roman bronze jewelry.

Further Reading

1. Hattatt, Richard – Ancient Brooches: The primary reference for classifying Roman plate and cruciform brooches.

2. Crummy, Nina – The Post-Roman Small Finds from Excavations in Colchester: For technical analysis of Roman copper-alloy fasteners.

7-8