BROOCH

An incomplete copper alloy Roman brooch of Colchester derivative Polden Hill (flat wing ends type, West Midlands), cf. Mackreth 2011, 4.b. Plate 46d dating AD 80-120.

Approximately 50% of the brooch is present, with incomplete wings and bow. The spring, pin, catch plate and foot are missing, presumed lost in antiquity.

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 incomplete cylindral wings projecting from either side at the top. this would have held part of the spring. No decoration is present on the bow or the wings. The back of the brooch is undecorated. A cylindrical groove is present behind the wings, this would have originally held the spring. The clay casting core is visible within the cylindrical groove. The catch plate, foot knop and pin are missing.

The brooch measures 16.2 mm length, is 18.8 mm wide across wings and 7.1 mm thick. It weighs 3.1 g.

The brooch is a mid 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 PASdatabase as WMID-510A1b and WMID-081AE1.

Reference:

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