BROOCH

A Roman copper alloy knee brooch, with applied silver wire, probably dating to c. AD 150-200.

Description: A copper alloy Roman knee brooch with applied corded silver wire. The brooch is almost complete and is missing only the pin rest of the catchplate and the point of the pin. The brooch has an unusually thick semi-circular head plate, surviving complete to a width of 22.0mm and a height 10.1mm; the head is c. 7.9mm thick, and hollow on the bottom. A narrow perforated lug projects centrally from the reverse of the head, with a groove on its upper edge to hold an external cord. Both the cord and axis bar are of copper alloy, and survive in situ. The chord curls round to form a coil of 12 loops, extending into the pin which is truncated by an old break.

The bow is offset from the head, projecting forward and straight in profile. It has a C-shaped cross section, with a hollow reverse but which is closed at the foot, it and the catchplate being slightly obliquely angled. The bow is decorated with two incised transverse bands, but is otherwise plain. A long, rectangular catchplate projects from the centre of the reverse, the pin rest is lost to an old break, but appears to have curved to the right. The bow is 21.6mm long, 9.1mm wide and 5.0mm thick, ignoring the catchplate. Extensive traces of a white metal coating survive on both the bow and head of the brooch.

An applied silver corded wire delineates the juncture between the head and bow of the brooch, which does not continue around the reverse.

Overall Dimensions: Length 29.9mm, width 22.9mm; thickness 15.1mm; weight 13.07g.

Discussion: Whilst the brooch lacks the distinctive S-shaped profile normally typical of knee brooches, it is nonetheless highly reminiscent of and appears to belong to this type. Its semi-circular headplate, pin attachment method and long catchplate are all features of Hull's type 172 (in Bayley & Butcher 2005: 179, T172) and Mackreth's (2011: 192) KNEE cont. 6 (cf. Bayley & Butcher 2005: 180, fig. 154, Mackreth 2011, plat. 132, nos. 7643 & 7679, as well as 14253). Both suggest a continental origin for this type, along the German limes and a later second century date range.

The applied silver wire appears to consist of more than 10% precious metal and can be dated to the latter 2nd century AD by its association with the brooch, which itself would qualify as potential treasure by its association with the applied wire. The object thus qualifies as potential Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.

Wil Partridge
Finds Liaison Officer for Wiltshire
September 2018