BROOCH

An incomplete cast copper alloy trumpet brooch dating to c. AD 75 to 175. The head of the brooch is missing the wings and in plan is a horizontal oval. The upper edge has a trace of an integral perforated lug (headloop). The oval head tapers to a broken edge, the bow, terminal, foot, pin and catch plate are missing. On the reverse of the bow head there are two vertical sub-oval integral lugs. Between these lugs are the traces of two coils. The brooch fragment is undecorated. The brooch has a green/brown coloured patina. Similar complete examples can be seen in Bayley and Butcher (2004 p.160-164) and are suggested as dating to the 1st to 2nd century. Hattatt (2000) shows examples on page 326, Fig 185.Similar examples can be found on the database and have been discovered in Priors Marston, Warwickshire (WAW-0A7353) and Elmbridge, Worcestershire (WAW-1DC847).

The fragment weighs 6.5g, and measures 20.4mm wide across the head of the brooch, 9.5 mm thick across the head and remains of the spring and 25.5mm long.

Bayley, J. and Butcher, S.(2004)Roman Brooches in Britain: A Technological and Typological Study based on the Richborough CollectionReports of the Research Committee of the Society of Antiquaries of London 68, Society of Antiquaries of London.

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