WESTERN EUROPEAN, MIGRATION PERIOD, PROBABLY 6TH CENTURY | Eagle Fibula

Adolphe Stoclet (1871-1949), Palais Stoclet, Brussels, acquired in 1931;
thence by descent to the present owner

Overall the condition of the fibula is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There is verdigris to the bronze, in particular at the back, consistent with the age of the material. There are a few small chips and losses to the inlaid stones and pastes, notably to the neck and the wings at the top. Some of the inlay, in particular at the bottom, seems to have been pushed inwards over time. There are small hooks at the back for fastening. The fibula seems to have been constructed in two sections - a front plate and a back plate - and stable original joints are slightly visible at the edges. There are a few small remnants of gilding, notably to the beak.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present fibula relates, among others, to a pair in the Musée de Cluny, Paris, inv. no. Cl. 3478 and 3479.

RELATED LITERATURE
I. Bardiès-Fronty et al. (eds.), Les temps mérovingiens: Trois siècles d'art et de culture (451-751), exh. cat. Musée de Cluny, Paris, 2016, pp. 237-239