BROOCH

An incomplete copper alloy brooch of Colchester-derivative Polden Hill (Mackreth Group 4, flat wing ends, West Midlands), Mackreth 2011, 4.a-4.b, 4c, Plate 46. Of Roman date (AD 80 to AD 120).

Approximately 50% of the brooch is present, consisting of the head, bow and both wings. The foot, catchplate, spring and pin are missing, presumably lost in antiquity.

In plan, the brooch is almost T-shaped, and D-shaped in cross section. The bow head is hump-like, and angular (comma shaped) in profile, with cylindral wings projecting from either side at the top (one incomplete). The front of the bow has been decorated by a central ray / ridge. The back of the brooch is plain and undecorated. A cylindrical groove is present behind the wings, this would have originally held the spring (now missing).

The brooch measures 28.3 mm length, is 20.1 mm wide across wings and 10.2 mm thick. It weighs 6.9 grams.

The brooch is a mid to dark green colour, with an even patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface.

Similar brooches can be seen in Richard Hattatt's Visual Guide to Ancient brooches (p 300, fig 159). A similar brooch has been recorded on the PAS database as WMID-081AE1.

Reference:

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