BROOCH

A Roman copper alloy colchester derivative developed T-shaped brooch, probably dating to c. AD 75-150. The brooch is incomplete, comprising of the upper bow and head, with the right wing incomplete. The pin also survives partially.

At the head of the brooch the wings survive to a width of 26.6mm, these are cylindrical, c. 5.0mm in diameter, and retain a copper alloy axis bar in situ. A rectangular slot cut has been cut into the reverse of the head to accomodate a hinged pin. This partially survives, comprising of a perforated sub-triangular lug, with a shaft projecting from one angle and terminating almost imediately in a worn break. A set of three parallel incised lines are present on the more complete wing. A central longitudinal crest projects from the top of the head, flanked by a pair of longitudinal, converging incised lines. The bow initially flanked by a pair of flanged longitudinal ridges, terminating partway down the bow, resulting in a stepped reduction in width. The front of the bow is decorated with a pair of longitudinally aligned, opposed recessed triangular cells, with a slightly bulbous double-banded, moulded transverse collar below.

Overall dimensions: length 32.8mm; width 26.6mm; thickness 5.0mm; weight 11.04g.

The general form and combination of a hinged pin attachment and enemal decoration would suggest an identification as a developed T-shaped brooch, dated to the later first and second centuries (Bayley & Butcher 2004). Particularly in the form of its upper bow, the brooch appears to be imitating brooches of Polden Hill type, cf. SOM-5874A5, SOM-B7BB87.