BROOCH

An incomplete copper alloy with silver inlay trumpet style brooch, of Roman dating ( AD 75 to AD 175).

Around 50% of the brooch is present, consisting of the head and part of the bow. The rest is missing, presumed lost in antiquity.

The base of a head loop is visible at the top of the head. The head is angular in shape, and curves downwards into a circular cross sectioned bow. On either side of the head are curvilinear lines, some still with silver inlay in situ. The bow has several horizontal mouldings, mostly grooves but probably imitating the arcanthus style moulding found on some trumpet brooches. On the back of the head, a horizontal groove is present, with a vertical groove transecting it, indicating that the pin was hinged with an axis bar as opposed to sprung. The foot is missing.

It measures 36.5 mm in length, 13.4 mm wide and 14.8 mm thick. It weighs 14.3 g.

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

Some silver inlay is present, in the recesses of the design. As this inlay will not survive intact away from the brooch, unlike a silver rivet, it is not classified as potential treasure, under the association rule.

No direct parallels to the shape of the head or the design of the brooch. Looking at it, it is a trumpet derivative style brooch and should therefore be classified as such and of a similar date, AD 75 to AD 175.