BROOCH

An incomplete copper alloy brooch of Colchester derivative, Polden Hill (Mackreth 2011, Part 3, Group 4, flat wing ends type), c.f. Mackreth 2011, 4.a-4.b, 4c, Plate 46 of Roman date, circa (AD 80-120).

The pin, lower half of the bow, foot and catch plate are all missing. The wings are broadly semi-cylindrical in profile with end caps. On both sides a moulding is present between the bow and wings. The remains of a rearward facing hook or possible perforated crest extend from the upper edge of the head. At the rear of the head is the spring mechanism which has iron corrosion. The bow head is hump-like, and slightly flattened and broad. The bow tapers to a rounded damaged terminal with a well-developed patina. The foot, catch-plate and pin rest are missing from the rear of the bow. All that remains of the catchplate is a moulded rib that extends at the rea from below the head. The bow has a central rib extending from the head to the broken terminal. The brooch has a dark green coloured well developed smooth patina.

There are many similar examples on the database that have been found in Somerset (SOM-5874A5) and Gloucestershire (WILT-FCD1A5).The brooch has parallels with Bailey and Butcher (2004) group a, with the perforated crests as illustrated on page 90.

The brooch measures 15.29mm in length, 17.94mm width (across damaged wings), 6.09 mm thick at the point where the bow begins to taper, and weighs 2.7 grams.

Bayley, J. and Butcher, S., (2004)Roman Brooches in Britain: A technological and Typological Study Based on the Richborough Collection. London: Society of Antiquaries.