BROOCH

An incomplete enamelled copper alloy plate / disc brooch of Roman dating (AD 80 to AD 250).

Approximately 90% of the brooch is present, consisting of the front plate, incomplete spring and catch plate. The pin is missing, presumably lost in antiquity.

The brooch consists of a circular disc, with enamel decoration on the front, with a the remains of a sprung pin attached on the back. The enamelled decoration consists of a six pointed red star with a central circular hole. Blue triangular enamelled cells are present between each of the points of the star. The back of the brooch is undecorated. The remains of the catc plate is present, opposite the remnants of the spring. The incomplete spring consists of an internal chord (passing under the pin), and two coils on one side of the attachment point and one coil on the other.

The brooch measures 21.4 mm in diameter and 5.9 mm thick. It weighs 2.9 grams.

The brooch is a dark green colour, with red and blue enamel still present. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail.

Roman brooches of this type are frequently encountered. Due to their size, it is doubtful that they were of practical use (dress fasteners) but more decorative in nature. Similar brooches can be seen in Richard Hattatt's Visual Guide to Ancient brooches (p 344, fig 203, #1029 & #1030) and are considered to be of 1st to 2nd Century AD dating.

Reference:

Hattatt, R. (2000) A Visual Catalogue of Richard Hattatt's Ancient Brooches. Oxbow Books, Oxford.