BROOCH

A Roman Trumpet derivative, Alcester type brooch (AD c. 138- c. 192): The upper part of the bow is formed of the trumpet shaped head, which has a bulbous profile and on the reverse two parallel, perforated, integral lugs. The lugs support a copper axis bar around which the copper alloy spring is coiled probably four times. The pin is missing. Below the spring there is a void which provides a glimpse of the void created for the spring. The upper edge of the head has traces of an integral lug which is incomplete. The outer face of the bow head is slightly abraded. The upper portion of the bow head is decorated with a wide, curved groove which borders the edge of the head. That is the only decoration. The lower edge of the head narrows to form a waist, and then meets a bulbous knop. On the reverse, protruding from the lower edge of the bow head is another waisted portion which is separate the outer facing waist, and joins the bulbous knop of the bow, thereby forming an oval void in profile. The base of the knop has a flat surface with a slight protruding step on the reverse edge, otherwise the lower portion of the bow is missing. The brooch has traces of a white metal alloy coating, otherwise the surface has an abraded dark green/brown coloured patina. It measures 22.77mm long, 15.37mm wide across the head and weighs 9.24g.

This is probably an Alcester type Roman brooch, which is discussed by Bayley and Butcher (2004, 169-170) who note that it is thought to be Antonine in date (138-192 AD), and the alloy analysis suggests a northern origin; the distribution on this database, and elsewhere, is across Britannia.

Bayley and Butcher, 2004 Roman Brooches in Britain: A technological and Typological Study Based on the Richborough Collection Society of Antiquaries