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BROOCH
Unique ID: IOW-3B6754
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
This zoomorphic brooch features two serpents (or snakes), is circular in plan and sub-circular in cross-section. The first serpent's body forms the frame. Its head, with indistinct features, is damaged due to a break and is, consequently, turned upwards at an angle of about 90°. The upper surface of the serpent has regularly spaced punched marks that have raised the surface to emulate scales. On the underside it is smooth and plain. About half of the frame is thinner and has a second serpent spiralling around and soldered to it. This serpent's head, pointing obliquely away from the frame, is well-defined and its eyes, ears and mouth are well defined. Its body has regularly spaced punch marks representing scales. Prior to being damaged and turned upwards, the head of the first serpent would have overlain the tail of the second serpent. There is a misshapen silver tapering pin attached to the frame about mid-way along the length of the second serpent's body. This pin is incomplete as part of its tip is missing. Its shaft is D-shaped in cross-section, flat at the rear and has a loop which fully encloses the frame. Between the loop and the shaft there is a small transverse ridge on the upper face of the pin.
21.9mm (diameter); 2.4mm (thickness). Weight: 2.74g.
The find contains a minimum of 10% silver and predates 1711. It thus qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996 in terms of precious metal content and age.
Similar brooches have been recorded as Treasure finds (Treasure 2010 T310; PAS SWYOR-F1A200 and Treasure 2010 T362; PAS SF-F73CA2).
Another similar zoomorphic brooch (PAS YORYM-56A6F5), made of copper-alloy, may have originally had a spiralling serpent or snake prior to being damaged.
Find of note status
This is a find of note and has been designated: Regional importance
Class: Annular
Subsequent actions
Current location of find: Isle of Wight Heritage Service
Subsequent action after recording: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Treasure details
Treasure case tracking number: 2011T781
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Early
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Early
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1200
Date to: Circa AD 1300
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 2.4 mm
Weight: 2.74 g
Diameter: 21.9 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Saturday 12th November 2011
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: IOW2011-1-527; Treasure case no. 2011 T781
Treasure case number: 2011T781
Materials and construction
Primary material: Silver
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Isle of Wight (Unitary Authority)
District: Isle of Wight (Unitary Authority)
To be known as: Wroxall
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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