Noonans
Auction 269 8-9 Mar 2023
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Roman, Roman, A gilt-silver zoomorphic brooch of a fly, 2nd century AD, 1.3cm long by 1.4cm wide; flat sub-triangular form with a globular head and circular eyes; the body and eyes are silver, while the folded wings and head are gilded and covered in multiple tiny circular punches; on the underside are the remains of the catch plate and hinge with signs of rust, indicating an iron pin was used (cf. Hattatt 1638). Very fine £200-£260
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Provenance: Found in Breckland in Norwich
Fly brooches are rare finds across the Roman world, with only a few found in Britain. In ancient Egypt flies were worn as homopoeic or magical amulets where the image of a creature empowered the wearer, and thereby protected them. They were also made of gold and given as rewards for military achievements, the fly being considered a persistent, swift and unwavering adversary.
Roman, Roman, A gilt-silver zoomorphic brooch of a fly, 2nd century AD, 1.3cm long by 1.4cm wide; flat sub-triangular form with a globular head and circular eyes; the body and eyes are silver, while the folded wings and head are gilded and covered in multiple tiny circular punches; on the underside are the remains of the catch plate and hinge with signs of rust, indicating an iron pin was used (cf. Hattatt 1638). Very fine £200-£260
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Provenance: Found in Breckland in Norwich
Fly brooches are rare finds across the Roman world, with only a few found in Britain. In ancient Egypt flies were worn as homopoeic or magical amulets where the image of a creature empowered the wearer, and thereby protected them. They were also made of gold and given as rewards for military achievements, the fly being considered a persistent, swift and unwavering adversary.