harold\'s bronze (what is this..)

[Goodies]

hello !

On our forum (the other one :wink: ) below object came by..

Dimensions: 9.8 cm x 6.7 cm.

Questions are.. what is it, can it be dated, does it need cleaning and what's the value ? (in that order)

Are there on-line examples of similar pieces..


Lex

[caiusbeerquitius]

Might be a cavalry horse harness attachment. Where is it from? That might help.

[Matt Lukes]

Hi Lex,

Indeed it appears similar in style to two artifacts from Vindonissa (although not identical), that are identified as horse harness decorations. Why exactly this is- that is to say, whether or not they were found in association with indesputable harness fittings, I can't say.

It doesn't look like it really needs cleaning- I see no encrusted soil or 'bronze disease' that could/ should be removed.

Value is hard to say- these vary quite a lot. They're not exactly uncommon though.

Matt

[FlaviusCrispus]

Yes, this class of object is usually described as an "equestrian phalarae," or a decorative horse trapping. Roman tack had all kinds of doodads and danglies of this nature. Here's an example of a complete horse pectoral, with decorative incising:

http://www.legionsix.org/cavalrypectoral.jpg

Pieces like yours are usually dated between the second and third centuries AD, but I'm not sure if anyone has attempted to plot them on a more detailed chronology.

As to value, I've bought similar items for $15 to $50, depending on how interesting they are. The complete cavalry pectoral is being offered at $25,000, so completeness and decoration do matter!

[Peroni]

A very similar piece here...

Regards,

[Dereleth]

Nice piece!
But please do not attempt to clean it,unless you have considerable experience and are confident that you will cause the piece no damage.
If you want a guide on cleaning I have one knocking around somewhere that I can email you.