ROMAN/BYZANTINE FIBULA, C. 4TH-6TH CENTURY

The original garment pin was patented two millennia later as the “safety pin”. Bronze, 2 1/4” in length, of small delicate form probably for a delicate woman’s garment. This example is distinguished by being complete as made with its cross pin and delicate pin seat intact. In our experience, less than 1% survive unbroken. Its simplicity also suggests its use on a garment of quality from which a larger or fancier fibula would detract. C.4th-6th century.