BROOCH

Incomplete copper alloy 14th century heart-shaped brooch decorated with gilding and oval collets, originally filled with glass or gem settings (three retain traces of a white adhesive which would have formed a foundation for these). The brooch is missing about a quarter of its frame, and at least one pin (possibly two). The basic frame is D-shaped in section, c. 3.5 - 4.5mm wide and 2mm thick. The collets stand c. 4.5mm proud of the frame. They are c.7mm long, narrowing to 4 or 5mm at the settings, most of which are round or slightly oval and roughly 2mm in diameter. Traces of gilding are to be found on the reverse as well as on the front of the frame. On the surviving section of frame, there are six collets. Two contain large amounts of white material, while the third is only a trace. However this is next to one of the former collets, suggesting all may originally have held it.

The two breaks on the frame occur at what appear to be separate constrictions for two different pins. The edge of the frame itself is finished in both cases and a 1mm wide, 1mm thick projection extends 1.6mm and 0.6mm. However the placing of these two constrictions is curious. The one at the top of the heart, if it is a constriction, is inhibiting the natural symmetry of the object. It would make more sense if this were a join, although why have a removable part of the brooch. The second constriction which is on one of the angled sides would not enable the pin to hang sufficiently well, especially if expected to rest between two collets - gravity would come into force and it may well slip down. So could this be another join for the missing piece? But again, why? Probably a more likely explanation is that the shape is not an entirely symmetrical heart. James Robinson, Curator of Late Medieval Collections at the British Museum, comments "Brooches with two pins do occur occasionally in the medieval period and maybe that is what this represents." Measures 38.5x30mm and weighs 7.65g. Compare a similar complete brooch from Hindringham, Norfolk, NMS-32C563.