BROOCH 181206

Description: Incomplete copper alloy and enamel Roman plate brooch of the equal-ended type with a hinged mechanism, missing its pin shank and most of the enamel. It measures 34mm in length and is max.11.2mm wide. It weighs 2.15g. Both hinge mechanism and catchplate are slightly bent to one side, possibly as a result of being trodden on in ancient times. At the centre of the bow is a 11.2x12.6mm square, a double rib around a central sunken area 7.6x7.6mm. This has a small amount of white enamel remaining. Above, the bow extends dropping in a slight curve, behind which is the hinge mechanism, and ending in an acorn terminal (two ribs either side of a rounded area). Below the central square the bow is rather longer (12.8mm compared to 9.2mm). It is also triangular in section (behind which the catchplate extends), again ending in a acorn terminal. To the reverse, the curl of the catchplate is intact and the pin head remains lodged between the two hinge-lugs. The patina of the metal is a dark brown colour. The brooch is of Hattatt's 'almost equal-ended type' because of its varying lengths of bow either side of the central enamelled area. According to Hattatt, brooches of this type are more prevalent in the eastern counties. Cf. Hattatt no.1596, set with 6 (from an original 15) black beads, and 1597. 2nd century in date.

Date: 100 - 200

Object type: BROOCH

Last import: August 15, 2017