Gilt copper-alloy, 46 grams, 67 mm. Circa 4th century AD. A late, gilded copper-alloy and niello inlaid Roman crossbow brooch of evolved form; its ridged cross-bar decorated with collared onion-shaped finials; a third onion-shaped feature above the junction with the bow; the bow itself once decorated with inlaid niello; below a narrow collar, a rectangular footplate with integral catchplate; the upper surface of the footplate decorated with facets, horizontal channels and further inlaid niello. Reference: cf. Hattatt, R. Ancient and Romano-British Brooches, Oxford, 1982, p.122-3 item 104. Very fine, complete with pin and much of the original gilding. Provenance: ex Lord McAlpine collection.