BROOCH

A cast copper alloy 1st - 2nd century AD, Trumpet brooch, with moulded decoration. The brooch survives largely intact, with only the foot and the catchplate missing. The head of the brooch is rounded, with a central spine, running down the centre. The head has a raised border. Below the head there are two collars, which flank two rows of diagonal dashes. The upper row is angled down to the left, whilst the lower row is angled up to the left (forming a sort of chevron). Below this there is a large acanthus moulding. Then below the moulding the same pattern of collars and diagonal dashes is repeated. The bow extends down below this and tapers to the foot. There is a spine running down the centre of the bow and the edges are slightly flared. There is a spine also on the reverse of the bow, which would have extended into the catchplate, the catchplate and foot have been broken off, and the break is worn. On the reverse of the head there is a central lug, which holds the spring in place. The spring is formed of six turns, but the chord has broken and the spring has become corroded. The pin extends out from one of the turns and survives intact. It is broken back on itself. The surface of the metal is smooth and is mid reddish-brown in colour. This type of brooch dates from the 1st - 2nd century AD. This brooch is similar to examples in Hattatt, 2000, p327, Fig. 186.