Roman Military Belt Fitting Group Circa 1st-3rd Century A.D.

Comprising a massive buckle with two rectangular openings and pin, four rectangular appliqués and one pelta appliqué. Cf. Oldenstein, J., Zur Ausrüstung römischer Auxiliareinheiten. Studien zu Beschlägen und Zierat an der Ausrüstung der römischen Auxiliareinheiten des obergermanisch-raetischen Limesgebietes aus dem zweiten und dritten Jahrhundert n.Chr., Ber. RGK, Jg.57, 1976, pp.178-182, for the pelta appliqué; Schleiermacher, M., ‘Römisches Pferdegeschirr aus den Kastellen Saalburg, Zugmantel und Feldberg’ in Saalburg-Jahrbuch, 50 (2000), pp.167-196, fig.189, no.8. 147 grams total, 30-64 mm (1 1/8 – 2 1/2 in.).

Acquired on the German art market before 2000. Property of a Surrey, UK, collector.

The assembly is linked to the horse harnesses of the 3rd century A.D., characterised by the presence of a peltate application and four decorative elements for the bridle or antilena/postilena straps, and by a massive buckle for the horse’s girth strap.