6th-7th century A.D. A bronze bow brooch with bulb to either side of headplate, deep bow with incised designs and inscribed with 'AMEN' in Greek letters continuing onto the flared rectangular footplate with incised cross, returned foot forming catchplate; pin lug, pin and catchplate to reverse. Cf. Wamser, HvL., Die Welt Von Byzanz- Europas Ostliches Erbe, Germany, 2005, p.277, item 430, for a similar example. 8.77 grams, 59 mm (2 3/8 in.) German art market before 2000. With a European gentleman living in the UK. Property of a Surrey gentleman. A very similar example to the brooch offered here was found at the fortress Prahovo (Aquis), and a second example at the fortified palace complex at Gamzigrad. These kinds of fibulae were especially employed by the military personnel acting in the Balkan provinces of the Eastern Roman Empire. [No Reserve]

Fine condition.