BROOCH

An incomplete cast copper alloy symmetrical plate brooch, of Late Roman dating (3rd to 4th Centuries AD).

Approximately 75% of the brooch is present, consisting of the plate, hinge and an incomplete catch plate. The gem and pin are missing, presumed lost in antiquity.

The brooch consists of an oval plate, with originally a centrally set conical paste or glass 'gem'. Black residue is present around the edge of the gem setting. Around the gem, are two concentric oval rings, with repeat punched decoration within. Gilding is present in the recesses of the concentric oval rings.

The back of the brooch is plain and undecorated. The catch plate is present and consists of an incomplete rectangular asymmetrical lug, with an incomplete outer edge folded over to retain the tip of the pin. The hinge is present, and consists of an incomplete semi-circular lug on the opposing side of the brooch to the catch plate.

The brooch measures 27.5 mm in length, 20.6 mm wide and 5.6 mm thick. It weighs 4.8 grams.

The brooch is a dark green to brown colour, with an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail.

This type of symmetrical plate brooch has been classified as a Hull T271 (Bailey & Butcher, 2004, p 178 & p 240). Bailey and Butcher (2004, p 178) state that examples of the oval variant (such as this example) have been found from the Northern frontier, Yorkshire, East Midlands and the South and East. They believe to be a British product as relatively few examples are known from the continent. Bailey and Butcher consider them to date to the third, if not the fourth century AD.

Several similar brooches have been recorded on the PAS database, including: WMID-E5C925 and WMID-D96326.