4th-6th century AD. A collection of Roman silver strap buckles, one punch-decorated with an 'X' motif within a rectangular border; one with niello decoration in the form of volutes. For a plain loop buckle with punched X decoration see Appels, A. & Laycock, S., Roman Buckles and Military Fittings, Witham, 2007, fig.SL.10.8, from Somerford Keynes; for the buckle decorated with niello see a similar sample in BM 1856,1004.32, from peninsula of Crimea. 27.7 grams total, 38-40mm (1 1/2"). Property of a gentleman from Vienna; from his private collection formed since 1970. Military buckles with X punched ornamentation are typical of the 4th century AD. By the middle of this century, a large range of plain loop buckles were in use along the Imperial frontier in Europe, and in Britain as well in the second half of the same century. They could be the main belt fastener or strap fasteners, like our specimen. The niello buckle corresponds to a type in use among the Roman garrisons of Black Sea area in 7th century AD. For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price [2, No Reserve]

Fine condition, one with tongue absent.