BRACELET

An incomplete Roman (AD c.320-450) copper-alloy hook-and-eye bracelet or armlet with multiple motif decoration. Probably circa half of the original object survives, and has been straightened (probably unintentionally). The surviving section comprises the hook-end and part of the body of the bracelet/ armlet.
The hook curves downwards then back up on itself to the front (decorated face) of the object. It measures 1.7mm in width and 0.8mm in thickness, and gently expands to 4.7mm wide and 1.2mm thick about half way along the remaining length of the object. The width is the same at the (old) break, the thickness being 1.3mm.
Directly behind the hook are four transverse grooves. Beyond this, and occupying much of the rest of the length of the incomplete object, is a panel of decoration with a central longitudinal groove and pairs of triangular punches, one on either edge of the object. Some of these (along the narrower part of the object) are missing, probably through wear, although they may have been missing originally.
Beyond this long panel of decoration are two transverse grooves and a single ring-and-dot motif. Beyond this two groups of five incised lines each sit either side of three small ring-and-dot motifs, transversely arranged. The old break is beyond the second group of incised lines.
The object measures 63.9mm in length, max.4.7mm wide and max.1.3mm thick. It weighs 2.00g.
Examples of multiple motif bracelets from Colchester (Crummy 1983, p.46 fig.47) date from AD 320-450.