BROOCH

An incomplete copper-alloy Roman Colchester derivative, rear hook brooch dating fro 43-65 AD. This is a brooch with a rear hook and a sprung pin mechanism. The remains of the brooch weigh 17.32g. It has a maximum length of 49.5mm. The curved wings have a width of 37.7mm and measure 9.0mm on the length axis. Close examination of the worn upper surface of the wings shows, now subtle, grooved (and possibly ribbed) decoration, transversely across the wings (on the longitudinal axis). The wings have a crescent shaped, open-ended, profile. Above the top edge of the centre of the wings an integral hook curves over towards to underside of the wings. This hook has a 'D' shaped cross-section with width of 3.1mm and 2.7mm thickness as it projects out from the top of the bow. The hook tapers to a sharp point. A small 'V' shaped notch forms a visual distinction between the base of the hook and start of the upper surface of the bow. No spring or pin survives behind the wings.

The bow has a sub-D shaped cross-section and maximum width of 10.0mm. The lower surface is slightly convex at the head end. A longitudinal ridge is present on the top half of the upper surface but becomes less pronounced and dissappears lower down. The lower half of the bow gains a more sub-oval cross-section. On the reverse surface of the bow the remains of a catchplate are visible. This catchplate starts directly behind the very base of the bow and has a length of 20.0mm. These remains protrude out from the reverse surface by 6.5mm The incomplete remains of two circular apertures are visible on the catchplate. These circular holes have a diameter of c.2.8mm. The bow tapers to a rounded point 2.2mm wide and 3.5mm thick.

Compare with Hattatt, R., 2000 A Visual Catalogue of Richard Hattatt's Ancient Brooches Oxford: Oxbow Books p.298, fig.157.