BROOCH

A fragment of a copper alloy and gilded Early Medieval (late 5th to 6th centuries) saucer brooch. The fragment consists of one curved edge that has been damaged with two further straighter edges. The outer curved edge has a rim with evidence of gilding on the surface.

Located along the long edge is a circular feature that is raised in profile. It is difficult to establish if this is a feature or a recess in which to hold a stone or gem. The fragment is decorated with an interlocking design which consists of repeating semi-circular forms comprised of three raised ribs. The upper surface has been gilded which is fairly well preserved. The opposing face is smooth and flat.

The fragment measures 32.4 mm in length, 19.8 mm in width, 3.5 mm in thickness and weighs 5.4 grams.

It appears that this fragment is related to record (WMID-9DFF52) another fragment was discovered in the same field not far away by another member of the same metal detecting club. The design and features are identical to one another.

In England this type of brooch tends to be found in burials and date to between the late 5th and 6th centuries. They are brooches which are found in female graves, and are considered to have played a role in symbolising status, and the design of the brooch may represent an allegiance to a common tradition (Dickinson 1993).

Dickinson, T. (1993) Early Saxon Saucer Brooches: A Preliminary Overview' Anglo-Saxon Studies in Archaeology and History 6 p. 11-44.