BROOCH

A near complete cast early Early-Medieval (Anglo-Saxon, c. 480-550) gilt copper-alloy button brooch.

Description: The brooch comprises a circular base with angled walls (turning outwards) surrounding it creating a 'saucer' shape. The face of the brooch is formed of a nose, ending in a thin triangular moustache below which sits a wide open mouth. The nose branches out into two eyebrows curving away towards the outer edge. The reverse is un-gilded with the pin bar lug and catch plate being located at 9 O'clock and 3 o'clock. The pin bar lug features heavy iron corrosion. The brooch remains in good condition although, as it is missing its' pin and also has some abrasion and nicks around the rim.

Measurements: 15.97mm in diameter, 9.41mm thick (including catchplate and lug, 2.95mm thick without) and 4.45g in weight.

Discussion: Button brooches are distinguished by their small size and by the anthropomorphic face-masks which they feature. They may have been utilised in a number of ways including dress fasteners and as decorative brooches. From graves it appears that they were used singly rather than in pairs like the related but larger saucer brooches. Button brooches are found throughout much of southern England and the Thames Valley with a date range of the later fifth century and the sixth century.