Late Roman / Migration Period Military Bronze Belt Buckle Plate
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Item Number: CA-15-570
Quantity:
CULTURE / REGION OF ORIGIN: Late Roman Empire, Western European Provinces
DATE: 5th – 7th Century AD
DIMENSIONS: 4.5 cm (1.77 in.)
DESCRIPTION: Intact. A superb bronze belt buckle plate from western Europe, dating to the period of transition from Roman central control to the early “barbarian” kingdoms, a time when the military gear of Roman and “barbarian” armies were very much alike. The plate features intact hinges for attachment to the actual buckle frame, and these are now filled with remnants of the attachment pins, possibly of iron. The upper surface of the plate’s undulating form is decorated in remarkable detail with a neatly delineated central image of a plant (a tree?) rising upward, with coiled branches, executed in chip carving. All of the space behind or around this is filled with tiny punch marked circles in neat rows. The reverse features two lugs (one slightly damaged) for attachment to leather. Overall dark green patina with earthen highlights in the recessed areas.
PROVENANCE: Formerly in a German private collection.
COMPARISONS: See Barry Ager, Byzantine Influences on Visigothic Jewellery , Plate 20 for related examples.