1st-2nd century AD. A pair of silver armilla military bracelets each a round-section coiled shank with one lozengiform terminal ornamented with punched snake-head detailing. Cf. Maxfield, V. A. The Military Decorations of the Roman Army, Los Angeles, 1981 for discussion. 172 grams total, 74-75mm (3"). Property of a European gentleman; formerly in a German private collection formed in the 1950-1970s. The use of armillae as military awards began in the Republican period, where captured Celtic torcs and other decorations were handed to soldiers showing special courage or merit. [2] Very fine condition.