BROOCH

An incomplete copper alloy Roman trumpet headed brooch, dating to the period c.AD 75-175. The brooch comprises an expanded trumpet head, at the apex of which is a a short projection which supports a wire headloop. This headloop is constricted by a moulded wire to form a neck, before bifurcating and extending downwards to form a second larger loop which is attached through an integrally cast lug behind the trumpet head. The remains of the pin and the coils of the spring are wrapped around the axis bar of this second loop. At the front, the trumpet head narrows and curves to the bow, which is D shaped in cross section. At its apex is decoration in the form of two sets of two transverse moulded bands between which is a large expanded ovate moulding with central transverse band. The bow becomes triangular in cross section and extends downwards to terminate at the circular cross-sectioned foot, decorated with moulded bands. The catchplate extends at a right angle to bow on the reverse, but is missing its lip. The reverse is undecorated, as the mouldings on the bow do not extend all the way around. A green brown patina is on the surface, and the brooch is quite corroded in places.

The brooch measures 52.47mm in length, 14.27mm in width at the head, 6.54mm in thickness at the apex of the bow and weighs 12.12g.

Cf. Bayley and Butcher (2004) p. 92, no. 218 (group Aii)