Bronze Crossbow Fibula with the remnants of a gold plating that once covered the entire piece.  The catch plate area has a central raised ridge while two perpendicular ridges extend outward from it.  The beginning of the arch where it is connected to the catch plate has an accordion style pattern before the traditional wide arch extends out over the original bronze pin.  The front portion of the fibula has the typical bulbed ends forming a cross like shape.  The bulbed ends have a octagon type surface and are not rounded like others.  The cross bar also has three raised edges, also quite common on these types of fibulas.  Much of the fibula still has the gold plating on it, and at one time it would have covered the entire piece.

A Fibula was used to hold together the Toga/clothing of the Roman Soldier and Citizen.  This style was called "Crossbow" due to its unique shape similar to a crossbow.  The arch would have been where the fabric bunched while the pin secured it.  This would have belonged to someone of higher status than the average Roman. (1)

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