Fibulas & Clasps

Fibulas and Clasps for Your Garment

Here we have compiled a wide selection of fibulas for you. In fact, each one is as beautiful as the other, but they are all quite different. Many fibulas not only come from different periods but also show distinct styles and craftsmanship. Choose according to your pleasure because each of these fibulas is a visual delight and a precious ornament. And as you can see, we offer them to you at a really good price. However, keep in mind that the garment closure, brooch, or garment pin should match your role. It's best to select a few pieces and add them to your wishlist by clicking on them. Then you can compare them more closely. On cooler days at a LARP event, you need a truly warm cloak. To fasten it in an authentic way, a fibula is the perfect solution.

It keeps the cloak closed and warms the body without any buttons or zippers interfering with the authentic style. With their unique patterns and special shapes, you can also create your own personal style. Not only will you be well protected against the cold or wind, but you will also add an extra touch of splendor to your appearance. In the Middle Ages, fibulas often constituted the only possible form of adornment and were accordingly elaborate in their craftsmanship and decoration. All the items we showcase here express this idea - fibulas are more than just accessories!

Delicate and Noble as Jewelry

The beautifully designed fibulas and clasps are not only practical but also essential accessories for every character in the LARP world. For noble women, the delicate bronze fibulas, for example, are suitable. They not only hold the cloak in place but also provide a special detail. Adorned with such finely crafted fibulas, a simple cloak quickly becomes a captivating garment. Use the clasps, brooches, and fibulas for your role in the Middle Ages - as an expression of your origin, your status, and ultimately your wealth.

Robust and Strong as a Symbol of Power

Whether a mighty warrior, nobleman, or knight, a warm cloak was essential in the winter especially in the Middle Ages. Therefore, men also needed a warm outer garment, a cloak, or a mantle. The cloak clasp was often formed from fibulas in various shapes for hundreds of years. They were often cast in bronze, sometimes forged from iron, or even beaten from silver. For the brave knights of the Middle Ages, they were meant to radiate strength and willpower.

Thus, at LARP events, every powerful Celtic warrior or rugged Viking wears his cloak with a fibula. These garment pins hold everything together and signify the tribe, the style, and always the prosperity of the wearer in the Middle Ages.

Special Details of Medieval Fibulas

The closures and fibulas from the Middle Ages are meticulously designed and have special details that will bring you joy for a long time. The Celtic cloak clasp doesn't have to be simple; it can also be an expression of your good taste. Use a golden raven as a cloak clasp, which fits perfectly for a magician, for example. Or maybe you like the Celtic pattern that can be worn by all characters. An intricate fibula always reveals a lot about the role of your character. There are simple bronze buckles or brooches shaped like knots. As a Viking, you would reach for a stylized Viking ship as a garment closure. Fibulas serve as symbols, lucky charms, adornments, or even rank insignia.

The Fibula in Antiquity and the Middle Ages

Here, as often, we have gathered some information so that you can learn more about what fibulas are all about. Hardly any other element of clothing has become so widely established worldwide over thousands of years as the fibula. The term "Middle Ages" alone covers almost a thousand years, ranging from the early Middle Ages from the 6th century to the late Middle Ages in the 15th century. However, fibulas have a much longer history.

The idea of buttons and buttonholes came much later. Buttons already existed as ornaments in antiquity. But it was not until the 14th century that the idea of using buttons to fasten clothing or bags emerged. However, buttons quickly gained popularity and fibulas went out of fashion. Today, only the brooches worn by women serve as a reminder of these early forms of safety pins.

Fibulas Since Prehistoric Times

Just like safety pins, fibulas were used to fasten garments or later even bags without posing a risk to the wearer. The previously used pins could easily slip out or prick their wearers. Even with a bone needle, it was quite painful and even dangerous. Bone needle? Exactly, the history of fibulas goes back to prehistoric times. However, the "modern" two-piece fibulas only emerged in the Bronze Age when the art of casting was discovered. The value of these fibulas was significant, as each garment closure was individually cast. The wax molds required for this could only be used once. Two types of closures prevailed. The hinged fibula had to be opened and closed by hand. The spiral fibula used the spring force to push the needle onto the needle holder by itself. On top of that was the bow, the part of the fibula body that could also be designed as jewelry. And this was done very early on, long before the Middle Ages.

The Fibula and Its Worldwide Distribution

Fibulas were soldered, punctured, engraved, notched, or adorned with facets. They also featured inserts of pearls or gemstones. The garment closure for nobility in the Middle Ages could be made of silver, white gold, or even gold. Some of these precious pieces of jewelry were adorned with long pendants. Such pendant fibulas were already found during the excavations in Hallstatt from 600 BC. No wonder that fibulas were found all over the world and styled completely differently depending on the culture and craftsmanship. Disc fibulas, beak fibulas, bow fibulas, eye fibulas, and onion head fibulas, the selection is enormous. The special significance of fibulas as a symbol of status or affiliation becomes clearer when one imagines a meeting of travelers in the Middle Ages in bad weather. All individuals are covered against the cold. The cloaks or capes are dark, brown, or gray.

It's hard to see anyone's face. But each of the travelers wears a clasp on their garment. And just by its shape and style, it provides all the important information to someone knowledgeable about who they are encountering.

If you would like more information about a fibula or any other item in our collection, simply contact us and give us a call!