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BROOCH
Unique ID: BH-F028DB
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A fragment of a copper-alloy divided bow brooch (Mackreth's Proto Crossbow Type 1) dating to the second or third century AD. The fragment comprises the divided bow and the head. The bow is divided into two hemispherical section strips and is slightly curved. At one end, the strips meet the damaged cylindrical wings. Only one of the end plates of the wings survives. This is pierced . The foot and catchplate are missing. The brooch measures 36mm in length, the wings are 19mm in width and a maximum of 5mm in thickness. Compare with examples illustrated by Mackreth 2011, 137, Plate 134. He notes that they have 'a marked presence amongst the military in the north and the rest, mainly down the eastern side of England, may have military connections as well.' (Mackreth 2011, 196). He notes that they are 'essentially later second century into the third. The conclusion is based upon an absence from the Antonine Wall which should mean they were not really current before the 170s. The relatively strong showing at AD 200-230/40 should also be a good sign that they were still in use at c. 225/30 at least.' (Mackreth 2011, 197).
Notes:
3. H (addendum). Seen 12.6.18
Class: Divided bow
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: ROMAN
Period from: ROMAN
Period to: ROMAN
Date from: Circa AD 170
Date to: Circa AD 230
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 36 mm
Width: 19 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Tuesday 16th January 2001
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: 2017 Cardboard box
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Fragment
Spatial metadata
Region: North East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Darlington (Unitary Authority)
District: Darlington (Unitary Authority)
Parish or ward: Piercebridge (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: NZ2115
Four figure Latitude: 54.52984883
Four figure longitude: -1.67701825
1:25K map: NZ2115
1:10K map: NZ21NW
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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