Onion button crossbow fibula

Roman onion button crossbow fibula replica.

This detailed replica of a so-called Roman onion-button crossbow Fibula is based on an original brooch from the 4th to 5th century AD.

The provincial Roman onion-button brooches are the successors to the hinged-arm fibula that was widespread in the 3rd century and a late variant of the so-called crossbow fibula. Roman onion-headed brooches can be traced back to the end of the 5th century AD.

Link to the historial model…

On the back of the Roman brooch replica is a solid pin with a so-called hinge arm, which is also suitable for thicker fabrics.

You can buy this brooch in high-quality bronze or genuine silver-plated.
Alternatively, also available in 925 sterling silver (please note the delivery time).
Alloy...

The Roman onion button crossbow fibula measures 7.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 cm.

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During late antiquity, Roman onion-button brooches were part of the soldier's costume and also belonged to the garb of Roman officials. This type of fibula was worn almost exclusively by this group of people to fasten their cloaks, and was therefore also a badge of rank.

Onion-button brooches were usually made of brass or bronze, but there were also gold-plated examples or those decorated with niello or enamel. A few examples were also made of silver or gold.

The size and material of the brooch probably depended on the military rank of the wearer. Onion-button brooches made of precious metal were, for example, awarded by the emperor himself as a badge of honour. A golden onion-button fibula was also found in the tomb of the Frankish king Childerich I.