BROOCH

A copper-alloy Roman sandal-sole type plate brooch, probably dating from the 2nd century AD. The plate is flat on top and takes the form of the sole of a sandal with a rounded heel and pointed toe. The front has a narrow raised border round the edge outlining a recessed area in the centre of the plate containg 9 raised circular 'nails'; five running down the centre and pairs to either side in the wider parts at the 'heel' and 'ball'. There is no evidence of enamel in this recessed area although parallels suggest it would have contained it. An incomplete small circular loop extends from the 'heel' in the same plane as the plate and would have probably linked the brooch to a second similar one. On the back at the 'toe' end is a triangular catchplate with a damaged upper edge. At the 'heel' end are two raised semi circular lugs joined by a circular sectioned cross bar. The spring is looped in three loops around the bar with the remains of a chord running under the pin. Although the loops are incomplete they cover the width of the cross bar suggesting there were not more loops originaly. The pin runs down the long axis and is circular sectioned narrowing to a point at the end; it is 25.3mm long and 1.6mm in diameter. The brooch itself is has a pale grey patina. It measures 31.8mm long, 10.3mm wide, 1.7mm thick (plate) and it weighs 3.24 grams. It is similar to R. Hattatt's Visual Catalogue (2000) page 358, No.606.