BROOCH

An incomplete copper-alloy  DevelopedsT-shaped brooch, dating to the period AD 50--150. This is a T-shaped, enamelled brooch with an in situ hinged pin, which has broken after 2.36mm. In total, the brooch measures 20.01mm in length and 12.02mm in width. The brooch head has open-ended cylindrical wings, these hold the axis bar for the hinged pin. The wings measure 2.12mm in thickness. There is a transverse slot through the centre of the underside of the head, between the wings, where the remnants of the pin survive. At the top of the head is a small semi-circular tab with a broken, worn upper edge, possibly the remains of the head loop.

The bow measures 6.16mm in width, tapering gradually outwards. It is triangular in section with a flat back and a ridge running down the centre of the front. In the centre of the bow it expands into a flattened lozenge shape, where a lighter brown colouring can be seen. After this, there is a break. The bow measures 9.06mm in width. The patina is dark green, with traces of lighter brown at the end and at the back of the wings. It weighs 3.78g.

Bailey and Butcher (2004:159) suggest the presence of a head loop indicates a date in the later first - early 2nd century AD (c50-150).. Similar examples were found in excavations at Shepton Mallett (Mackreith 2001:190 fig 52) no.42-3, the former from a mid-2nd to mid-3rd century context has orange enamel surviving in the upper triangle. Examples on this database are HAMP-955FC8, WILT-B08248 and WILT-A34EE4. Two similar examples are recorded by Hattatt (2000), nos. 918 and 919.