BROOCH

Treasure case: 2020 T415

Description:
A complete silver medieval annular brooch dating to c.AD 1300-1400.

The frame is broadly quatrefoil or cross in plan with concave sides, and semi-cylindrical knops at the terminals. Each knop is decorated with continuous traverse ribs that have become worn. The tips of the concave sides expand beyond the knops and almost form complete open circles and are undecorated. The interior of the crescentic sides is slightly concaved whilst the exterior is rounded, forming a sub-triangular cross section. This form presents an overall octagonal shape for the brooch. The reverse of the brooch is flat and undecorated.

The pin remains attached to the frame and is complete. One of the knops has a pin constriction around which hinges the separately cast silver pin that is flat and rectangular in form and tapers to a point. Its point rests on the opposite knop.

Measurements:
Length: 20mm
Width: 20mm
Weight: 2.5g

Discussion:
This brooch is likely of medieval date with examples of a broadly similar form noted from London (Egan and Pritchard 2002: 257, no.1342) dating to AD 1350-1400. Brooches of a similar form to this example that have also been presented for consideration for Treasure include an example from Leicestershire, 2010T519 (LEIC-8D0723) which was declared Treasure and acquired by a museum. An example from North Lincolnshire, 2011T865 (SWYOR-F9EEE2) was also declared Treasure and was acquired by Scunthorpe Museum.

Conclusions:
As the object contains at least 10% precious metal and is over 300 years old, it meets the criteria for Treasure under the terms of the Treasure Act 1996.

References:
Egan, G. and Pritchard, F. (1991), Dress Accessories, c.1150-c.1450 (Medieval Finds from Excavations in London). The Stationary office, London..

Notes:
This report was written during the COVID-19 outbreak; as such the writer was unable to view the object in person. All measurements and photographs have been provided by the finder. More detailed images and measurements can be provided once the object has been handed into the FLO.