BROOCH

A complete cast copper alloy one piece brooch of probable Late Iron Age dating (1st Century BC to 1st Century AD).

The brooch is almost complete, just missing a small amount from the base of the catch plate and the pin. It has been case from one piece of metal. The pin is straight with a circular cross section. This then continues straight into the spring, which is formed from three turns or coils, each with a rectangular cross section. This then continues into the bow of the brooch. Located about a third of the way down the bow, a small sub circular swelling or knop is present, with a horizontal recess at the top & a raised collar above the knop. Below this, the bow expands into the assymetrical shoulders, with the max width being 11.76mm. Below this maximum width, the bow gradually tapers down into the foot. A central ridge is present down this central expanded section. The foot consists of a pronounced circular knop. The catch plate extends back vertically, and is sub rectangular in shape.

The brooch measures 77.53mm in length, 11.76mm wide and 17.35mm thick. It weighs 10.35 gram s

No direct parallel has yet been found for this style of brooch. It is believed to be probably Late Iron Age as it displays similar traits to the La Tene III type and a continental form known as Knotfibeln. However the style of the spring is different to both of these, as it is one sided and the decoration on the bow is different. It is possible that it could be a Continental type of Roman brooch.