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BROOCH
Unique ID: BH-539E42
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A Roman copper-alloy disc brooch which has been converted into a pendant.
The circular brooch is of thin section and has a cast geometric pattern in its upper surface. This pattern, defined by low ridges which create a series of cells, takes the form of a ten-pointed star or stylised flower head, with a ring-shaped setting at the centre and a single pellet within each point. The pellets, central ring and perimeter of the star retain traces of a white-metal coating, as does the circumferential rim. The central cell contains possible traces of a dark blue enamel inset, but no enamel is visible. The brooch has been converted to a pendant by removing the catchplate from the underside of the disc and piercing this area twice. A remnant of the flattened hinge, located opposite, is visible. The artefact measures 20.9mm in diameter, 2mm thick and weighs 2.7g.
Small disc brooches bearing similar designs are reasonably common finds - see BH-10E197 for a close parallel - but the conversion into a pendant is unusual. This adaptation is likely to have occurred either in Roman times or during the Early-Medieval period.
Class:
Disc
Evidence of reuse: Removal of pin attachment and catchplate, followed by double piercing.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: ROMAN
Period from: ROMAN
Date from: Exactly AD 80
Date to: Exactly AD 250
Period of reuse: UNKNOWN
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 2 mm
Weight: 2.7 g
Diameter: 20.9 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 23rd October 2011
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: Ver 11/171 - 9
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Secondary material: Enamel
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Buckinghamshire (County)
District: Wycombe (District)
To be known as: Princes Risborough
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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