BROOCH

An incomplete cast copper alloy Trumpet style brooch, of Roman (75 to 175 AD) dating.

Approximately 50% of the brooch is present, with the pin, spring and part of the catch plate missing, presumed lost in antiquity. The rest of the brooch is intact.

The head of the brooch is oval in plan, and tapers into the bow. The reverse of the head is concave, with a integrally cast rectangular lug. There is no evidence of a head loop or plate. The bow of the brooch is D shaped in cross section. The head has been decorated with a symmetrical raised curvilinear design. The design consists of a thin line with a curved end, with a sub teardrop shaped element, with a ring and dot at the top. The head of the brooch tapers into the body. Halfway down the length of the bow, are three semi-circular collar mouldings. Beneath the moulding, the lower part of the bow extends and tapers slightly. A symmetrical curvilinear design with the central line being straight and the other side wavy, is present as a recessed design down the length of the bow. The bow terminates in a foot knop, which is incomplete, but has a sub circular collar above it. The catch plate starts beneath the moulding on the back of the brooch and is sub triangular in shape. It is incomplete, missing the external edge, which formed the pin rest.

The brooch measures 49.9 mm in length, 16.1 mm wide and 19.8 mm thick. It weighs 13.3 g.

The brooch is a mid to dark green colour, with an even surface patina.

Trumpet style brooches typically date from 75 to 175 AD. Hattatt (2000, p326, fig 185) published several similar examples, in particular #1529 from Castleford, West Yorkshire and #948 from Wall, Staffordshire.

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