Two Roman Bronze Chariot Fittings

Culture: Roman

Period: 2nd -3rd Century A.D.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: each 14.7 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 3117

Provenance: Collection K. K., Great Britain, aquired in the 1950s. Thence Gorny & Mosch auction on 16 June 2016, lot 48. Last in the private collection E. W., Vienna, Austria.

Condition: Very nice patina, both chariot fittings intact.

Description: Massive bronze chariot fittings from a two-axle Roman traveling wagon, each with an eagle's head and two arms. The arms end in tilted swan's heads. Very fine details like the feathers in cold work. The octagonal floor is open and was attached to the side of the traveling chariot. Leather straps were then stretched over the arms to carry the vehicle body with the passengers. So uneven ground should be leveled out making travelling more comfortable. Simply spoken, these exceptional bronze fittings are shock absorbers from antiquity. Compare the type of chariot fittings with eagle head at Christie's auction on June 10, 2010, lot 155.