BROOCH

An incomplete cast copper alloy equal-armed brooch of Early Early-Medieval date (AD 500 - AD 600). Length 81mm, maximum width 22mm and thickness of bow 5.0mm. Weight 26.64g. The brooch is symmetrical in plan, comprising a head-plate, foot-plate and central bow. The head-plate, flat at the front, consists of three integral elements. The extremity of the plate is bi-lobed and has a central pointed knop with similar knops at the lower edge of each side lobe. The central element has sides which flare gently outwards towards the lower element. This lower element, adjoining the bow, expands outwards at each side and has small lobes at each upper corner. Within this element is a small step-up which forms an integral part of the bow. The foot-plate can similarly be described. Each plate is decorated with repetitively punched semi-circular marks that extend around the border and part-way along the longitudinal median centre-line. A further line of similar punch-marks extends transversely at a point where the central element joins the lower element.

Each end of the bow, where it is integral with the plates, is formed by a small raised panel. The panel is chamfered longitudinally and has three straight sides with the side nearest to the centre of the bow being a shallow V-shape. The bow is also symmetrical in plan and has a maximum width of 10.0mm and a maximum thickness of 5.0mm. It has four chamfers of equal size and a small flattened lozenge-shaped area at the centre. Within this lozenge-shaped area is a small sub-circular depression which probably contained a setting. However, no setting or any adhesive material has survived. Each of the chamfers on the bow is decorated with oblique grooves that give the impression of being concentric with the central lozenge shape. The reverse of each plate and of the bow is slightly convex.

A complete perforated lug and catch-plate are situated on the longitudinal median centre-line. The lug which is 9.2mm in length and 6.2mm in width is situated immediately above the bow. It is roughly D-shaped in side profile with a circular perforation is about 1.5mm in diameter filled with iron corrosion. There is also a deposit of iron corrosion on both faces of the lug as well as on the upper part of the rear face of the bow. The catch-plate is situated immediately below the bow and is rectangular in side profile, 11.3mm in length and 6.8mm in width. The curled-over part to secure the pin is intact. There is a deposit of iron corrosion on the outer face of the catch-plate.

The brooch is in a remarkably good condition and has a shiny mid-green patina with a silvery sheen overall, although it has some small speckles of corrosion. The silvery sheen indicates, perhaps, that the brooch was originally tinned, or alternatively, the metal has a relatively high tin content. The fronts of both plates have a large number of longitudinal and transverse striations or scratch marks which may have been deliberately inscribed as subtle decoration, rather than being the result of filing or fettling. No evidence for burning or melting.