BROOCH

Roman copper alloy bow brooch of Trumpet type and of 1st or 2nd century AD date

The brooch is incomplete, missing the spring and pin (with a length of 52.5mm, a depth of 26.8mm and a weight of 13.4g). The missing spring was secured around a single perforated lug at the rear of the head. The trumpet head is oval (14.3mm long and 10.8mm high) with a flat and undecorated border around the upper bow. The upper bow is of triangular section with gently concave sides. The top of the bow appears to have a subtle rib in sunken relief, now worn. The base of the upper bow and top of the leg are marked with transverse ribs, flanking the button. The button is decorated with an incised zigzag, forming chevrons. The leg is also of triangular section with straight sides, converging to the foot and also is enhanced with a rib in sunken relief on the mid ridge. The small foot knob projects forward. The catch-plate arcs to the catch from the rear of the leg, below the button and is positioned on the centre of the leg. The catch-plate is enhanced with an incised line before the catch. The surface has a dark-green patina with some areas of pale-green surface loss.