BROOCH

Cast lead alloy early-medieval disc brooch with concentric circle decoration, of Weetch's Type 5. or 'nummular brooch' of possible later Early Medieval (Anglo-Saxon) date (probably 10th century AD). The brooch is mis-cast and incomplete due to an old break. Originally the brooch would have been circular, with a slightly convex front. The front is decorated with a series of concentric cast designs; at the centre of the brooch is a large raised boss with a central pellet, surrounding this is a circle formed from small pellets enclosed by a raised rib or ring. The outer edge is decorated with small raised bosses which are encircled (ring-and-dot). Between each of these is a small circular projection. The exterior rim of the brooch is thickened.

On one edge of the brooch is a cast projection; it is unclear whether this is functional or decorative. It is also unclear if its presence is deliberate or as a result of miscasting.

The reverse of the brooch is undecorated. A large raised vertical rib extends from one side (close to the projection) to the other. The lower part of this is rolled over to form a catchplate. To one side of the raised rib is a cast ridge with a design; its terminal is ball headed, beneath this is a raised ring or collar and the lower edge seems to be shaped like a knot. The function of this bar, which is fused or cast against the internal face of the brooch, is very strange. It is most likely to represent a mis-casting and may result from having used an existing brooch (with pin in place) as a model.

The brooch is a mid grey colour with a relatively sound polished patina. In places the brooch is a light grey colour with an actively corroding surface. The brooch measures 28.3mm length, 20.3mm width, is 8.2mm thick and weighs 6.25 grams. The brooch has a diameter of 24.2mm and a thickness (excluding the cast ridge on the reverse) of 2.5mm.

Dr Helen Geake, National Finds Advisor comments:
The design, with raised dots alternating with ring-and-dot, and concentric lines, is also found on LVPL-DE8EF6 (Nether Peover, Cheshire), LVPL-F3154D (Marple, Stockport) and LEIC-9ECC43 (Wymondham, Leicstershire). The attachment arrangements on these other examples are also less than clear. It is unusual to have a group of such similar late Anglo-Saxon lead disc brooches.

LVPL-DE8EF6, Nether Peover, Cheshire can be seen at:
http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/252342