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Ancient Ostrogothic Silver Eagle Headed Buckle, Byzantine Era, 6th Century A.D.

About the Item

Rare, large Ostrogothic silver eagle-headed buckle, circa 6th Century A.D. A bold projecting eagle head profile set with a cabochon ruby color glass eye, the neck chased with linear geometric motifs, adjoining a rectangular plate with a large oval ruby colored glass cabochon in the center of a finely chased cross chaped design, framed by an intricate scrolled border with protruding blue glass cabochons at each corner, connecting to a shaped chape with a substantial eagle shaped prong set on each side with blue cabochon glass eyes and terminating in an exquisite kidney shaped frame depicting two snakes or possibly dragons, one on each end with blue cabochon glass eyes, chased body with a pair of blue glass cabochons flanking the prong area of contact. Original patina with verdigris, all glass cabochons intact, retaining what appears to be the original leather belt portion between the front of the buckle and the backing. Exceptional condition for an object of this age, size and quality. Provenance: Private Collection, New York 6.63 inches wide 2.75 inches high Materials: silver alloy, cabochon glass. The silver alloy patina is intact showing a rich greyish-brown hue. References: Christie's December 17th, 1998, lot 322 for a similar example; a smaller, 4.88 inch example. Accession Number: 95.15.100a is in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Purchase 1895. This elaborate buckle would have formed an important part of attire of high-ranking Ostrogothic women, acting as a status symbol of wealth and power.
  • Metal:
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 2.75 in (69.85 mm)Width: 6.63 in (168.41 mm)
  • Style:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 6th Century A.D.
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1887217495062

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