Late 4th century A.D. A gold crossbow brooch with three ogival knops to the headplate, square-section bow and U-section rectangular footplate decorated with edge notches; pin and catchplate to reverse. Cf. Biscottini, P., Sena Chiesa, G., Costantino, 313 d.C.L'Editto di Milano e il tempo della tolleranza, (Constantine, A.D. 313, the Edict of Milan and the times of the Tolerance), Milano, 2012, the Louvre fibula in fig.163, p.253. 6.45 grams, 34 mm (1 3/8 in.). Ex private European collection. Acquired by the current owner in 2001. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate no.11326-189857. In the late Roman Empire, the children of Imperial officials and dignitaries, who were part of the Militia Armata and the unarmed Militia, acquired symbols and titles of the father, from whom they usually also inherited their profession. The quality and size of the fibula could link it to the son of a military commander, a vir illustris or vir nobilissimus, and therefore belonging to a puer illustris or nobilissimus. For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website.]