BROOCH

A fragmentary cast copper-alloy Roman Trumpet brooch. The flared sub-oval head is typical of trumpet brooches, the name describing the shape of the head. Below the head is a thick, integrally cast chain loop (6.8 by 6.3 by 2.6mm). A broken axis bar, cylindrical and formed of a rolled sheet survives in situ; the spring, chord and pin are all missing. Flat on the lower surface, there is a slight recessed ledge at the front sides of the head. The upper bow travels up at a steep angle to a moulded high point. It is faceted and lozengiform in cross-section.

The brooch has a central acanthus moulding consisting of a central, transverse, curvilinear moulding. Nestling within the top of this is a triangular moulding, divided from it by a fine V-shaped ridge. Beyond this 'button' is a transverse groove, both above and below. The other side of the groove is a collar with transverse incision at the button end which defines the ends of the upper and lower bow respectively. Only a fragment of the leg below survives, following an old break. It has a flat lower surface and rounded upper giving it a semicircular cross-section. It is seemingly plain, though little survives. The catch-plate and foot have both been lost.

The brooch now has a dark-green patina, with patches of light-green corrosion product and patches of browning. For Trumpet brooches see Hattatt (2000, 326; fig. 185).