Military Accoutrements and Gear

Bronze Triangular Jupiter Dolichenus Plate

Fragmented remains of a large triangular Jupiter Dolichenus bronze plaque or standard reveal an elaborate scene blending military and religious imagery. The bronze is intricately engraved with figures and animals, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and remarkable attention to detail. Truly, an extraordinary piece of ancient art.

Vtere Felix Engraved Fibula

An early style of the Cross Bow fibula used to hold together the cloak of the Roman Soldier and Citizen.  The fibula style is a derivative or perhaps forbearer to the common 4th and 5th Century cross bow fibula is apparent. Silver engravings through out.

Chip Carved Late Roman Military Belt

Three bronze belt plates from a late Roman legionary include a buckle plate with a loop adorned by two serpent or dragon figures facing the hinge. The serpent heads are detailed, with two eyes, a gaping mouth, ears, and neck scales marked by two parallel lines. The two secondary plates appear similar but differ slightly in their decorative designs, each featuring a unique central circular motif.

Late Roman Gold Inlaid Fibula

Bronze Crossbow Fibula featuring an incredible gold-foiled design along the arch and crosspiece. This type of fibula was used to fasten the toga or clothing of Roman soldiers and citizens. Known as the "Crossbow" style for its distinctive shape, the arch held the gathered fabric while the pin secured it in place. An exceptionally rare masterpiece, it likely belonged to someone of great wealth and status. The artisan who crafted it created a true work of art, now beautifully preserved.

Military Pan or Patera

This piece is a large bronze military pan, or patera as it’s commonly called. It was part of the kit carried by every Roman soldier, used to prepare meals at the end of the day. While this example is clearly fragmentary, with much of the bowl missing, it still retains part of the base and some of the sides intact.

Late Roman Enamelled Seal Box

This beautifully decorated bronze seal box, once used to protect the wax seals of written documents, is shaped like a lamp. The lid still retains much of its vibrant enamel, featuring a deep blue background with a white circle at the center. Along the edges, faint traces of red enamel remain, adding to its charm and character.

Triangular Eagle Phalera/award 

Late Roman Dart/Plubata

A well-preserved Late Roman plumbata, or throwing dart, features an iron dart or spearhead with a lead weight fixed to the front. This design created a short dart that, when attached to a short wooden shaft with feathers, could be thrown either overhand or underhand by a soldier. In its original form, complete with the wooden shaft, the dart likely measured at least 30 cm in length, depending on the type.

Late Roman Dragon Head Ring Buckle

A bronze Legionary ring belt buckle replaced the traditional Cingulum buckle of the 1st and 2nd centuries. This style began with the Baldric belt suspension, where the most elaborate decoration was featured on the shoulder strap rather than the buckle itself. Numerous monuments and gravestones depict this new buckle style, with the earliest known example appearing on an altar dated to 211 AD.

Legionary Belt/Cingulum Buckle

A fine bronze Legionary belt, or Cingulum, buckle with much of its silvered plating still intact. The iron spindle remains in place, once connecting to other bronze plates that formed the belt holding the Gladius (sword) and Pugio (dagger). It features a symmetrical, intricate openwork design and a replaceable bronze tongue, with diagonal lines on the reverse.

Gold Plated Fibula

A bronze crossbow fibula shows traces of gold plating that once covered it entirely. The catch plate features a central raised ridge with two perpendicular ridges rising from it. At the base of the arch, where it joins the catch plate, there’s an accordion-style pattern before the classic wide arch extends outward over the original bronze pin.

Legionary Fibula with Inscription

This bronze legionary fibula, or pin, was used to fasten the toga or clothing of a Roman soldier or citizen. In this example, the bronze pin is still intact, though it’s stuck in place due to a rusted iron spring. The inscription seems to read “I? O LEG II,” suggesting it once belonged to a legionary from the Second Legion.

Smaller Gold Plate Fibula

A bronze crossbow fibula still shows traces of the gold plating that once covered it entirely. The catch plate features a central raised ridge with two perpendicular ridges rising from it. At the base of the arch where it joins the catch plate, there’s a horizontal stack of ridges before the signature wide arch extends over the remains of the original bronze pin.

Silver Dragon Fibula

A heavily silvered bronze fibula, possibly solid silver or retaining much of its original silver “wash,” features a high-quality, intricate design. The head of the fibula, missing its spring and pin, has a smooth slope with raised ridges leading to the centerpiece—a striking and decorative dragon head. This ornate detail, seamlessly integrated into the fibula, gives the impression of the dragon swallowing the rest of the piece. Its long snout bears nostrils, sharp teeth in an open mouth, two eyes, and ears, completing the fierce and captivating look.

Late Roman Belt Fittings

A group of late Roman belt pieces and attachments, including five belt stiffeners (each from different belts), a decorative or terminal piece, and a belt tip. These items didn’t come from the same belt, but they are stylistically and historically connected. The variety among these pieces is evident from these three examples alone.

Firestarter in Shape of Galley

This iron fire starter, shaped like an ancient galley, was used to strike flint and start a fire. Its design is quite unique, featuring a curved front resembling the bow and lines along the sides that represent oars. Two loops would have held the handles for use. The iron remains in excellent condition, with only minor pitting. It’s believed that many legionaries carried these to light campfires each night.

Late Roman Belt Tip

A bronze amphora-shaped belt tip or terminal, used in the Baldric suspension method, features five dots arranged in a classic "dice" pattern. This design is followed by two handle-like sections on the “amphora.” At the end, one bronze rivet still remains, marking where it would have been fastened to the leather belt tip.

Dolphin Applique

Legionary Lead Seal

Legionary Lead Seal with Eagle

Lead Sling Bullet

An inscribed lead sling bullet, commonly used by Auxiliary troops like the Balearic slingers in the Roman army to launch lead projectiles. Many were cast with messages or taunts aimed at the opposing forces.