BROOCH

A copper alloy dragonesque brooch of Roman date. The object consists of an S-shaped plate with moulded relief decoration. Each end of the S-shaped plate has an expanded trumpet-like terminal. The terminals are decorated with a band of pellets either side of a ridge. In line with each terminal the centre of the object expands in thickness and is also decorated with a line of pellets with a linear ridge either side. Either side of the central moulding is a curvilinear raised moulding which begins after the central moulding and terminates before each terminal end.

Wrapped around the 'neck' of the object at one end is a flattened copper alloy strip. This terminates with an ancient break but would have extended to form the pin when complete. The rear of the object is concave and undecorated. The object has a dark green patina and is in fair condition.

Bayley and Butcher (2004: pp. 171-172) discuss the development of the type, noting a marked concentration of finds in Northern Britain in both military and 'native' sites, suggesting a date range during the Early Roman period of the 1st to 2nd centuries AD.

This form of brooch is thought to have originated in Yorkshire, perhaps being spread thence by military redeployments. Its distribution is also thought to indicate 'intimate economic links between East Anglia and Lincolnshire and areas north of the Humber' (Mackreth 2011, page 188). Suggested date: Early Roman, 85-100.

Dimensions: 44mm in length, 17mm in width, 8mm thick, 12.7g