A rare example of a Romano-British silver bow fibula. This piece is functional, and retains its original iron pin and spring, a feature often lost over time. The bow is solid and fairly thick, with simple incised decoration in a cross-hatched zig-zag pattern characteristic of practical Roman design.

The external iron spring remains intact, visible as a coiled, heavily corroded mass at the head, while the long, straight iron pin runs beneath the bow into a the preserved catch plate. 

A true window into the material culture of Roman Britain, this fibula combines durability, practical design, and subtle decorative interest.

Specimen Details

Specimen: Decorated Silver bow fibula 

Age / Era: Circa 250–300 AD, Mid-Late Roman Period

Material: Silver body with iron pin and spring

Decoration: Incised cross-hatched zig-zag pattern

Origin: Roman Britain (Southern England)

Provenance: ex old Southern English collection

Length: 44 mm

Weight: 4.5 g

Type: Non-hinged bow fibula (spring mechanism)