2024-03-28T08:58:04+00:00https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/860660/format/qrcodehttps://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/860660/format/jsonhttps://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/860660/format/xmlhttps://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/860660/format/geojsonhttps://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/860660/format/pdfhttps://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/860660/format/rdfhttps://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/860660860660NMGW-DA579EPAS598DA579001E8BBROOCHPenannularspatulate terminals57.362.210.60.81NMWPA 2016.431EARLY MEDIEVAL700900The cast brooch frame is near-complete but the pin is missing and the frame is comparatively insubstantial (with an overall length of 57.6mm, an overall width of 62.2mm and a weight of 10.6g). The oval hoop (58.8mm external width) is of flattened-oval section (3.4mm wide and 1.9mm - 2.4mm thick), widening slightly as it approaches the terminals. There is no decoration evident on the hoop but there is an impact groove near the left terminal, possibly from a hammer blow. There is a slight step from the hoop to the integral terminals extending as far as an incised border, giving the impression of a jointed attachment. The spatulate terminals are of unusual, irregular form (with widths of 29.6mm and 30.5mm, lengths of 16.4mm and 17.7mm), with undulating upper and lower edges but relatively straight on the terminal edges. It is now unclear how erosion may have truncated the upper and lower edges but the inside edges appear to be near-complete. The terminals are unusually thin (at just 0.4mm - 0.8mm thick). The fronts of both terminals are decorated with a similar motif in cast relief, comprising an outer border infilled with hatching, within which is a narrower undecorated border. The interior has a double-strand interlace knot. There are partial remains of incised decoration evident on the outside of the top edge of the right terminal and upper inside edge of the left terminal, possibly the remains of another interlace device or possibly an interlace beast. The basal edges of both terminals have a partially preserved incised line, possibly the remnants of an outer border. The rear of the terminals is not decorated. The surface has differential black patination, with patches of golden-bronze surface exposed.
Metallurgical analysis was undertaken using X-Ray Fluorescence indicating that the metal is a tin-bronze with lead, nickel and zinc represented in small quantities.
The brooch has a number of unusual features, in particular, its thin terminals. It is possible the brooch represents a failed-casting and was not finished. This may also explain the incomplete decoration on the peripheries of the terminals, although this may also be the result of erosion. The interlace decoration can be ascribed an 8th or 9th century date stylistically. Penannular brooches with spatulate terminals are not well represented in Early Medieval finds from Wales.2017-08-11 13:39:212017-08-11 14:23:583112016-04-071Certain114747PAS598DA579001E8B711141NMGWRegional importanceCopper alloy10627CastCompleteEARLY MEDIEVALEMx41022p0gjgrshhcwEARLY MEDIEVALEMx41022p0gjgrshhcwMetal detectorCircaCirca86066525490239662549041424SS1298SS1298SS19NW51.64927844-4.71887483810625844Pann_broochcopy.jpg996901Early Medieval copper alloy penannular broochThe Portable Antiquities Scheme4images/mlodwick/WalesCoastlandEuropean RegionUnitary AuthorityPembrokeshireUnitary AuthorityPembrokeshireCommunity51.6372-4.68874TenbyReturned to finder96665