BROOCH 1004608

Description: A Roman copper alloy colchester derivative initial T-shaped brooch, probably dating to AD 50-100. The brooch is almost complete, missing only its pin and with the reverse of the catchplate abraded. The head of the brooch expands transversely into cylindrical wings, with a bulbous moulding at either wing tip. A rectangular slot is cut into the reverse to accommodate a hinged pin, with the perforated triangular tab at the top of the pin shaft surviving. The axis bar is copper alloy. Each wing is decorated with two incised grooves on the bulbous terminal and a further double-stranded grove preceding the terminals. The juncture of the of the head and bow is elaborated with a pair of side mouldings. The bow has a sub-oval cross section, and is decorated with two curved grooves defining a central longitudinal ridge, with this terminating at the mid-point which is marked by a double-stranded transverse collar. The lower bow is undecorated and tapers into a pointed foot. An abraded catchplate projects from the reverse. Length 36.3mm; Width 36.5mm; thickness 14.4mm; Weight 11.52g. cf. Bayley and Butcher 2005, 158, fig. 127 for similar brooches.

Date: 50 - 100

Object type: BROOCH

Last import: September 22, 2022