Monumental Enamelled Bronze Disc Fibula– Danubian Celtic, La Tène, 150 BCE–50 CE
This object comes from a long-held private collection formed over decades of collecting. The seller has been an eBay member since 2015 as a buyer and only recently began releasing selected pieces, including this one.
Noricum–Pannonia (Eastern Alpine / Middle Danube region)
Late Iron Age Danubian Celtic (La Tène cultural horizon),c. 150 BCE – 50 CE
characteristic of mature Late La Tène elite metalwork in the Danubian zone during the period surrounding early Roman contact.
A large disc-form bronze fibula with a scalloped outer rim and raised central boss, encircled by a segmented ring of polychrome enamel inlay. The reverse retains the original iron spring, pin, and catch, confirming functional use as a heavy-duty garment fastener designed to secure thick or layered textiles. (disc-form; iron spring and pin construction)
Height: 4 ⅛ in (10.5 cm)
Width: 2 ⅝ in (6.7 cm)
Weight: 134.7 grams
This example is the most exceptional within the group of four monumental fibulae due to its surviving polychrome enamel program. Monumental disc fibulae are themselves elite objects; the presence of multi-color fired enamel elevates this piece into a rarer technical and symbolic category. The survival of multiple enamel segments in situ materially increases both scholarly importance and collector value.
Polychrome enamel in Late Iron Age Celtic metalwork represents a high-skill technological and symbolic tradition. The champlevé technique required prepared recesses, stable glass formulations, and controlled firing compatible with bronze. The segmented chromatic ring—using red, blue, white, and green—forms a structured, non-narrative visual system aligned with La Tène aesthetics, emphasizing balance, repetition, and symbolic containment around a central axis. In the Noricum–Pannonia sphere, such enamelled prestige objects functioned as conspicuous markers of identity, rank, and workshop sophistication at the threshold of Roman expansion while remaining rooted in indigenous Celtic production.
From a long-established private European collection assembled in the mid–late 20th century. Acquired through the international antiquities market and preserved as part of a coherent study group of monumental Danubian fibulae.
Disclaimer
This item is offered as an antique ethnographic artifact and is not represented as contemporary Native American-made under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act.
Guarantee
This item was carefully researched, appraised and authenticated. It is described and photographed as accurate as I can. The description and condition report are guaranteed to match the item condition. Please review photos as they form part of the description.
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