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BROOCH
Unique ID: SF-527EB7
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A thirteenth century silver-gilt annular brooch, the ring formed of four animal or dragon heads. The loop for the pin attachment is gripped by two of the animals, the pin-rest is gripped by the other two. The brooch is set with two garnets at the upper and lower points of the ring, between each pair of animals.
The ring measures 19mm in external diameter and 13mm in internal diameter. There is a oval shaped pin hole 3mm in length and c2mm in width. Opposite this there is a oval shaped flattened area with a central groove for the pin tip to rest in. The pin is attached to the pin hole via an open loop and measures 17mm in length and 2mm in width, it has a transverse moulded decoration where the loop joins the shaft of the pin and tapers to a point. The gilding is slightly worn.
X-ray fluorescence analysis conducted at the British Museum indicated a silver content of approximately 98%. The red stones were identified by Raman microscopy as garnets.
The brooch is similar to another previously found in Suffolk (Stowmarket area), but slightly larger (see Treasure Annual Report2001, no 82).
Examined and described under the Treasure Act by: Beverley Nenk, British Museum, 2 August 2004.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Declared Treasure but returned to Finder as Museum unable to acquire
Treasure details
Treasure case tracking number: 2004T176
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Middle
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Middle
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1200
Date to: Circa AD 1300
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 20 mm
Weight: 2.23 g
Diameter: 19 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Monday 1st March 2004
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: BM Treasure ref: 2004 T176
Treasure case number: 2004T176
Materials and construction
Primary material: Silver
Secondary material: Gem
Decoration style: Zoomorphic
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: Eastern (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Suffolk (County)
District: Forest Heath (District)
To be known as: near Mildenhall
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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