BROOCH

An incomplete copper-alloy Trumpet brooch of Roman date, c. AD 75 - 175. The head is ovate with a concave reverse which retains a single centrally positioned semi-circular integral lug. An axis bar remains fitted through the lug, both end are broken and worn. Five turns of the spring remain around the axis bar with the outer ends joining to form a loop below the spring. One central turn projects to a worn break from which the pin would have extended. The front of the head is decorated with curved palmette design.

A circular sectioned bow extends from the front of the head, curving to a circular acanthus-style moulding flanked by triple banded circumferential collars. The bow continues with a triangular section below the lower collars and terminates in a circular foot knop with a single central pellet to the base. The lower bow is decorated with a two columns of small recessed rectangular cells. The worn remains of a broken catchplate project from the reverse of the lower bow.

The metal has a dark brown patina and is in fair condition. The object appears to have been coated in oil or varnish. The brooch is 67.8mm long, 17.1mm wide, 9.4mm thick and weighs 15.5g.

Similar examples are illustrated in Hattatt, p.326, fig.185 and are dated to circa AD 75 - 175.

Ref: Hattatt, R. (2000) A Visual Catalogue of Richard Hattatt's Ancient Brooches. Oxford: Oxbow Books.