BROOCH 192480

Description: Incomplete copper alloy Roman knee brooch, missing its spring mechanism, pin, part of catchplate and end of one wing. Where the original patina survives, traces of tinning are visible. The incomplete wingspan is 15mm but would once have been c.18mm in length. The wings are tubular and C-shaped in profile. Part of the broken wing is bent upwards but this suggests the wing was more enclosed than a C-shaped profile. The ends of the wings are not enclosed as other knee brooches often are. The bow extends in an accentuated curve. It is rectangular in section and measures 8.1x3.6mm in front of the wings. Two grooves and corresponding rib flank this join. The bow narrows to 5.6mm wide and 4.8mm thick at the ankle, before flaring to a 11.8mm wide square-sectioned foot. To the rear of the bow at the top and bottom of the curve, are two projections creating the illusion of an almost enclosed area. The catchplate extends to the rear of the base of the foot. It is flat and rectangular with an angled edge. The hook for the pin has broken off. The brooch is very similar to one from Dorset (Hattatt no.1228). It is allied to a native British example, Hull's type 175. However, the projections on the reverse suggest connections to a rare type of knee brooch with a curved connecting link between upper and middle bow. Length 33.7mm, weighs 11.45g. 2nd century.

Date: 101 - 200

Object type: BROOCH

Last import: August 15, 2017