An early style of the Cross Bow fibula used to hold together the cloak of the Roman Soldier and Citizen.  The clear indicators that the fibula is a derivative or perhaps forbearer to the common 4th and 5th Century cross bow fibula is apparent in the following features:

- Large arch with flat sides and flat top

- Flat rear section with integrated catch plate

- Bulbed front decoration

- Frontal cross style post (holding the spring)

The only significant difference on the common 4th Century brooches (see this example) was the addition of a solid cross post with matching bulbed decorations on the end.  This essentially replaced the post and spring on the current example.

This particular example is rare in that it is not only an unusual shape that is not easily classified, but it also has beautiful silver decorations in it.  No clear parallels could be found in Richard Hattatt's Ancient Brooches hand book.  One similar example was found by chance on an auction site, however did not have the lettering or silver inlay.

An example from reference (3) page 167 seems to show a similar find, however that one is in gold and was found in Italy dating to the 5th Century. Example 7 is in silver and dates to the late roman period as well.

Silver Decoration

What truly makes this Fibula special is the silver decorations that are incorporated into the design.  There are 5 circular decorations with a concentric ring around each one; four on the tail section and one at the front.  These types of concentric circle decorations are very common on 4th and 5th Germanic items.  The center of the these circles are also inlaid with silver, providing a nice contrast to the deep green patina on the piece. 

The must defining feature of the fibula however is the silver inlaid text that runs along one side of the arch.  The Latin text reads as:

V T E R E    F E L I X

This text is well know to appear on 3rd Century Roman items, and literally stands for "carry with good fortune” or "use with luck”.  Although this text or phrase is known on 3rd Century and later items, it is not very common in the sense that it likely was made for a high ranking person.  The cost involved to make the inlaid silver section would not have been possible for a simple soldier and likely were official gifts or donativa.(2)

Over all the piece is complete with pin and spring and has a nicely silver decorated body with a rare inscription.

(1)(2)(3)

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Silver Decoration

Silver Decoration